Schoeller Textil USA appoints Stephen Kerns as new president

Tom Weinbender steps down after more than 35 years with the Swiss company.

Seattle, WA- On August 1st, 2015, Stephen Kerns will join Schoeller Textil USA, a subsidiary of Schoeller Textil AG of Sevelen, Switzerland. Kerns brings with him a breadth of experience including a decade in the textile industry. Most recently, he has led the North American Business Unit for Sympatex.

Stephen Kerns will be replacing Tom Weinbender. Mr. Weinbender has been president of the company for 21 years and has worked with Schoeller for more than 35 years.

Schoeller Textil USA encompasses Schoeller Textil AG and Schoeller Technologies AG and is dedicated to offering textile solutions for a wide-range of applications including the emerging wearable technologies market.

“Stephen’s experience and thorough understanding of the North American markets will help him in his execution to inspire, energize and connect with customers and internal staff,” said outgoing president of Schoeller USA, Tom Weinbender. “We are very pleased to welcome him to the Schoeller family and I am confident he will do a terrific job.”

“I’ve admired Schoeller’s passion for quality and innovation first as a consumer, and then from within the industry. I’m really excited for the opportunity to lead the North American business, especially in the dynamic times ahead of us,” remarked Stephen Kerns. “Tom Weinbender and his team have done excellent work in building the business and brand. Schoeller is extremely well positioned today in the textile industry and beyond with solutions for brands with a passion for innovation, timeless quality and the possibility of multiple technologies.”

Stephen is no stranger to the diverse and innovative world in which Schoeller operates. He began his career at the original Merrell Footwear Company in Vermont, and has held positions with increasing responsibilities at iconic and global companies such as Braun/Gillette, Samsonite, Timberland and Tivoli Audio.

“Stephen Kerns is a great successor to Tom,” comments Siegfried Winkelbeiner, CEO of Schoeller Textil AG. “His knowledge, management style, interpersonal and sales skills will enable him to quickly become an asset to our customers and our team in the U.S.A. As for Tom, I am very thankful for his extraordinary contribution and I wish him all the very best for his next stage in life. Tom will still support Stephen so that he will have a smooth transition into his new role”.

Both Stephen Kerns and Tom Weinbender will be attending Outdoor Retailer and can be found at the Schoeller booth #38051

About Schoeller Textil AG:

Schoeller Textil AG was founded in1867. Based in Sevelen, Switzerland, the internationally operating company is privately owned and operated and specializes in the development and manufacturing of innovative technical fabrics and smart textile finishing technologies. For more information please visit: www.schoeller-textiles.com or email shannon@schoellerusa.com