Elmshorn, May 6, 2024: Heikki Takala to become new CEO of The Quality Group

The Quality Group, Germany’s leading provider of sports nutrition, dietary supplements and low-sugar, high-protein products, has appointed Heikki Takala as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Heikki Takala, who has been a member of The Quality Group’s Advisory Board since CVC became an investor in the company in 2022, takes over from Stefan Smalla, who is leaving the company by mutual agreement after two successful years at the helm.

During Stefan Smalla’s leadership, the company has more than doubled its revenues and completed the transformation from a founders-led startup to an independently structured organization. With its two strong brands, ESN and More Nutrition, and outstanding products, the company has established itself as a market leader in the DACH region whilst initiating international expansion.

As The Quality Group embarks on its next developmental phase, the company welcomes Heikki Takala, a seasoned leader with a global perspective and a track record in building "Billion Dollar Brands” and global organizations. Heikki first spent 18 years with P&G in various pan-European and global leadership roles, followed by eleven years as the CEO of Amer Sports where he delivered industry-leading results and shareholder returns with the company’s portfolio of world-class sports and sports lifestyle brands, including Arc’teryx, Salomon, Wilson, Atomic, and Peak Performance.

With Heikki Takala’s experience and backed by a strong and passionate team, The Quality Group is poised to further accelerate its growth trajectory, building on its unique business model of outstanding products and innovative marketing, whilst pursuing expansion opportunities into new consumer segments, omni-channel, and international markets.

22.04.2024: Strategic Partnership between ESN and Thomas Müller: Joint Launch of the New High Protein Ready-to-Drink Meal RDY in May

ESN, the German leader in sports nutrition, and World Cup champion Thomas Müller are entering into a long-term strategic and business partnership: Together, they are launching the High Protein Ready-to-Drink Meal RDY in four flavors, marking the start of the new product range THOMAS MÜLLER | ESN. Priced at 3.99 euros, the products will be available from May 1st on the ESN online shop at esn.com/RDY, and from May 6th at REWE as the exclusive retail partner.

With the RDY drink meal, ESN is tapping into a new product category that will complement its existing portfolio of high-quality protein powders, bars, and sports supplements. This expansion helps ESN broaden its target audience and capitalize on a dynamic market segment that, according to the market research institute GfK, grew by nearly a fifth in Germany in 2023 alone. Available in four varieties - Chocolate Milk, Vanilla, Banana, and the ESN Signature Flavor Cinnamon Cereal - the product is a full, balanced meal replacement that satisfies hunger for three to five hours. RDY is lactose-free, contains no added sugars, and boasts a high protein content of 38 grams per 500 milliliters. The drink also covers an adult's daily needs for essential micronutrients and minerals and features MCT oil from coconuts as a high-quality functional energy source, instead of just relying on rapeseed and sunflower oil. The fat content is only 19 grams, with 12 grams of fiber per serving. A 500-milliliter bottle has just 495 calories. With its balanced nutritional profile, RDY offers a healthier alternative to ready meals or fast food, saves time in everyday life, and provides a practical, uncomplicated meal replacement especially on busy days, whether at work, at home, or on the go. "We didn’t just develop RDY for athletes – our goal is to make tightly-scheduled days easier for a much broader audience. With RDY, we aim to reach not only our regular, very sports-focused ESN clientele but also to make a mark in a new market segment. We are particularly proud to have Thomas Müller as a business-minded partner with high potential for identification in this endeavor," says Stefan Smalla, CEO of ESN.

Perfect match for Thomas Müller and ESN: Long-term collaboration planned

As a high-performance athlete and football icon, Thomas Müller not only represents an active and healthy lifestyle but also brings a strong awareness of healthy eating to the table. He had already been a regular consumer of ESN products before initiating contact last fall, which kicked off the collaboration that has been ongoing since September 2023.

"Being able to perform at my best despite a full schedule is routine for me – here, RDY is a helpful and especially tasty solution. I was involved in the product development, particularly in the nutrient compositions and flavor profiles. Now, I look forward to a long and successful business partnership with ESN," says Thomas Müller, who is currently part of the German national squad for the upcoming Home Euro 2024 and now also an official ESN athlete.

RDY - High Protein Ready-to-Drink Meal ESN (Elite Sports Nutrition)

• Flavors: Chocolate Milk, Vanilla, Cinnamon Cereal & Banana

• 38g Protein per bottle

• 26 Vitamins and Minerals

• Lactose-Free

• Satiates for 3 to 5 hours

• 495 kcal per 500ml

• MSRP: €3.99

• Available from May 1st at esn.com/RDY

• Exclusively at REWE stores from May 6th

As the German leader in sports nutrition since its founding in 2007, ESN has been the brand for high-performance sports. ESN offers a wide range of products including protein powders, protein bars, and sports supplements to support ambitious training goals and enhance individual athletic performance. As an established brand with its own production in Germany, ESN provides only the highest quality foods and supplements, Made for Athletes.

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