The Versuchs- und Lehranstalt für Brauerei in Berlin (VLB) e.V. is initiating a significant generational change: After more than two decades of dedicated service as VLB Managing Director, Dr. Josef Fontaine will hand over the position in October 2025. His successor will be Dr. Björn Klotzbücher, who will take up his position at the VLB on July 1, 2025.
Josef Fontaine, (60) began his professional career at the VLB in 1991 and played a decisive role in its development as Managing Director from 2002. His area of responsibility included, in particular, member support, the seminar and event business, location development and the external representation of the VLB. Thanks to his large network and his knowledge of the industry, he has made a significant contribution to the successful development of the VLB. The internationalization of the VLB, the sustainable stabilization of the membership base and the implementation of the new building project at Seestrasse 13 in Berlin are particularly noteworthy.
The Administrative Board has respected his wish to take a step back professionally in the future and is using this opportunity to initiate an orderly generational change in the VLB management. Following an application process with external support, Dr. Björn Klotzbücher was selected as his successor. Björn Klotzbücher (46) holds a doctorate in brewing science (Weihenstephan) and has held various management positions in the brewing and beverage industry over the past 15 years. He will take up his position at the VLB on July 1, 2025. The areas of Finance, IT, Human Resources and Research will remain under the responsibility of the current Managing Director Gerhard Andreas Schreiber (CFO).
The handover of Managing Director duties from Josef Fontaine to Björn Klotzbücher will take place gradually until the General Meeting on October 6, 2025. Fontaine will then remain with the VLB as a “brand ambassador” for a further two years. Ulrich Rust, Chairman of the VLB Administrative Board, emphasizes: "We would like to thank Jupp Fontaine for his outstanding work and his many years of tireless commitment to the VLB. In Dr. Björn Klotzbücher, we have found an excellent successor who will continue the successful development of VLB. This change is an important step towards securing the sustainable future of our institute."
With this decision, the VLB Berlin is steeping the course for successful further development and will remain a central institution for research, education, service and innovation in the national and international brewing and beverage industry in the future.
Dr Josef Fontaine (left) hands over his position as VLB Managing Director to Dr Björn Klotzbücher (centre). Gerhard Andreas Schreiber (right) remains CFO.