After 12 years with Schleich, David Albert is set to take his seat at the head of the table as the company’s next CEO.
Albert will take the helm on Jan. 1, 2027, moving up from his current role as President of Schleich North America. He will succeed Dr. Manfred Ziegler following a brief transition period, while North America’s Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director Annie-Laurie Zomermaand will take his place as President.
Since joining Schleich in 2014, Albert has held leadership positions in almost every corner of the company, from Product Management and Strategic Business Development to Global Analytics and eCommerce. At present, he oversees Schleich’s North American business, the company’s second-largest market, and continues to develop new strategies to grow the brand’s international footprint.
“We are delighted to appoint David Albert as the next CEO of Schleich,” says Dr. Detlev Mohr, Chairman of Schleich’s Advisory Board. “During his 12 years with the company, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of our brand, culture, and customers. His experience across multiple functions and geographies makes him uniquely qualified to lead Schleich into its next chapter.”
“It is a tremendous honor to be appointed CEO of Schleich,” says Albert. “Having spent the last 12 years with this remarkable company, I have had the privilege of working alongside passionate colleagues, trusted partners, and dedicated customers around the world. Schleich has built an iconic brand that inspires children’s imagination and storytelling every day. I look forward to leading the company into its next phase of growth and building on the strong foundations established over many years.”
Zomermaand will succeed Albert as President of North America, continuing a working relationship that dates back to her arrival at the company in 2019. As Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, she co-led the North American region with Albert during his tenure as the region’s Chief Operating Officer. She sports an accomplished résumé of her own, with leadership roles at major players such as The Lego Group, LeapFrog, and Learning Resources.
Both Albert and Zommermaand’s appointments will take effect Jan. 1, 2027. For more information about Schleich and its products, visit the company’s website.
