André Christl succeeds Dr. Philipp Reisert, Managing Partner at C.HAFNER GmbH + Co. KG, as Chairman. The board will be supplemented by Dr. Bernhard Fuchs, CEO Umicore AG & Co. KG (Hanau), as Vice Chairman. Thomas Frey, CEO Heimerle + Meule Group (Pforzheim), will continue to hold the position of treasurer.
In his last status report, the outgoing chairman, Dr. Reisert, emphasized that the precious metals industry and also Fachvereinigung Edelmetalle were well prepared for future challenges. However, the regulatory framework and requirements for precious metals in the areas of taxes and the environment are becoming more complex and bureaucratic. The topics of sustainability and climate neutrality are becoming increasingly important.
The keynote speech at this year's general meeting was given by Günther H. Oettinger, former Vice-President and Commissioner of the European Commission and former Prime Minister, on the topic of "Peace, values, economic strength - an Agenda 2030 for Germany and Europe".
Fachvereinigung Edelmetalle is a German industry association that represents the political interests of producers and manufacturers of precious metals (gold, silver, platinum group metals) as well as traders, banks and associations vis-à-vis German and European authorities and non-governmental organizations. It is an important contact and intermediary for the precious metals industry and connects members with decision-makers, partners and the general public.
The pillars of the Code of Conduct, which the members have jointly agreed upon, are the topics of fundamental principles of business ethics, compliance and conformity with existing laws, and sustainability.
The association has 36 members representing more than 6,000 employees.