Merkur Group announces passing of founder Paul Gauselmann
German slots giant, which has grown from a small one-man operation into a 15,000-staffer behemoth, confirms passing of former CEO at the age of 91
Merkur Group founder Paul Gauselmann has passed away, the slots giant has announced.
Gauselmann passed away on 21 August at the age of 91. Merkur Group called him “one of the last patriarchs of the postwar era – a courageous fighter with grand visions, a proud father, great grandfather and husband”.
Gauselmann established the land-based gaming cabinet firm in 1957, then known as Gauselmann Group, before it was rebranded to Merkur Group in January 2024.
He stepped down as the supplier’s chair in 2024 after 67 years in the position.
He was replaced by his son Michael as chair of the supervisory board and Gauselmann Family Foundation.
CFO Lars Felderhoff stepped into the role of chair of the management board.
After relinquishing the role of chair, Gauselmann continued to oversee day-to-day operations and would be seen at the company headquarters in Espelkamp, Germany, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
An obituary read: “For 67 years, he guided the fortunes of the company group, transforming the one-man operation into an internationally successful corporation with approximately 15,000 employees and total sales of around €2.1bn.
“He was an extremely popular CEO, an inspiring leader through and through. Even as head of the corporation, Gauselmann always made time for brief conversations with his employees, regardless of their role within the company.
“A word of appreciation here, an interested question there – Gauselmann always treated them with respect.
“During his time as an employee, he had experienced firsthand the importance of appreciation and communication on equal terms.
“He remained true to this principle throughout his life.”
Gauselmann is survived by his wife, Karin, four sons, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Merkur Group acquired games provider White Hat Studios in an undisclosed deal in July.