Early Life
Martin Viessmann was born in Allendorf, Germany, in 1953 or 1954. He is the grandson of Johann Viessmann, who founded the Viessmann Group in 1917. Martin did not follow the traditional path of an apprenticeship like his predecessors, instead pursuing a degree in business administration at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. He later earned a doctorate in social and economic sciences from the University of Innsbruck in 1989.
Rise to Success
Viessmann joined the family business in the 1970s and became CEO in 1992. Under his leadership, Viessmann Group transformed from a traditional heating manufacturer to a provider of integrated climate solutions. He initiated a large-scale internationalization campaign, increasing the foreign share of the business from less than 10% in the early 1990s to over 50% by 2006. The company expanded its operations globally, with 22 production companies in 12 countries and sales in 74 countries.
Key Business Strategies
Key strategies include a focus on innovation, particularly in energy-efficient and renewable energy products. Viessmann invested in the development of heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and other sustainable technologies. The company also embraced digitalization and brought his son, Maximilian, on board to lead digital transformation. Another key aspect has been the company's commitment to its core values, which include being responsible, team-oriented, and entrepreneurial.
Philanthropy
Viessmann is committed to philanthropy, demonstrating his dedication to supporting education and sustainable development. In 2012, he established the Viessmann Endowed Chair in Sustainable Technology at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. The Viessmann Foundation is committed to investing in science, climate action, education, arts, and social welfare.