METTLACH, GERMANY—Elke Fischer, who managed Villeroy & Boch’s press and public relations department and worked for the company for 30 years, has retired. In addition to press relations and planning, her responsibilities included numerous international events—such as the company’s 250th anniversary—as well as Industrial Tourism/Visitor Information Service, Museum/Keravision and the Schloss Saareck guest house.

Under her management, the sites of the Old Abbey, Villeroy & Boch’s registered corporate office since 1809, have become some of the most popular tourist attractions in Saarland. Fischer’s press relations molded the international public’s image of the group, which operates in 125 countries.

She was succeeded on January 1 by Almut Haehner-Ural (pictured), who began working for Villeroy & Boch in 2000 as marketing/communications manager in the tableware division. In 2005 she moved to the bathroom and wellness division, where she became marketing manager. The work of Haehner-Ural in this position has helped to fundamentally reorganize the brand image and international branding. Haehner-Ural reports directly to management board spokesman Frank Goering.