GENERATIONAL CHANGE AT SCHORN & GROH
The Axel Groh era at Schorn & Groh
With a degree in forestry, Axel Groh embodies the deep passion for wood as a natural material that has always defined Schorn & Groh. Even as a child, he accompanied his father in selecting extraordinary trees – laying the foundation for a lifelong connection to the material. After completing his forestry studies in Freiburg, Groh joined Schorn & Groh in 1985. Over the following decades, his expertise, experience, and strong sense of quality left a lasting mark on the company’s development. He was responsible for global log procurement, closely accompanied production processes, and established an international network that provided Schorn & Groh with access to the most exquisite and rare types of wood worldwide. Groh also expanded the company’s sales activities, serving international clients in the automotive and premium interior design sectors. Together with his wife, Liljana Groh, he significantly shaped the company’s marketing and brand identity, combining their shared sense for aesthetics and design.
In addition to his business achievements, Groh has been an active ambassador for knowledge exchange within the wood and veneer industry. His expertise on forests, veneers, and sustainability has been featured in countless lectures – from the interzum stage and universities to exclusive presentations for leading international customers. His guiding principle, “Veneer is the forest’s best friend,” captures the sustainability philosophy he embedded deeply into the company culture. As a pioneering advocate of sustainable forestry, Groh emphasizes that selective harvesting and the high value of veneer logs give forest owners a financial incentive to preserve forests rather than clear-cut them. Within the company, he was known for his open communication, approachability, and genuine appreciation for his employees.
Beyond Schorn & Groh, Groh’s influence extends across the entire industry. He has served on the supervisory board of the Holzabsatzfonds (German Wood Marketing Fund), in the German Timber Council, and as co-founder and long-standing chairman of the Initiative Furnier + Natur (IFN). He will continue to hold his position as IFN Chairman. With his departure from management, an era marked by visionary leadership, international collaboration, and deep commitment to wood as a natural resource comes to an end.
Continuity and expertise: the new management structure
Sven Görgen succeeds Axel Groh in the management of Schorn & Groh. A graduate in forestry from Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Görgen joined the company in 2001. As a shareholder, head of log procurement for over 15 years, and one of the company’s key veneer buyers, he manages Schorn & Groh’s global sourcing network and is closely involved in sales. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of wood quality and provenance, Görgen stands for both continuity and forward-looking development.
Together with Rolf Loose-Leonhardt, who has shared responsibility for the company’s strategy and operations since 2006, Görgen now leads the company into its next chapter. Managing Director Rolf Loose-Leonhardt comments: “Axel’s departure marks the end of an era shaped by his passion, expertise, and tireless dedication to our woods. His work has been instrumental in shaping Schorn & Groh into what it is today. At the same time, we are delighted to have found a highly qualified internal successor in Sven. His market knowledge and experience in global procurement are invaluable for our future direction.”
With this new leadership structure, Schorn & Groh is ideally positioned to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges of the global wood industry. As an internationally recognized partner for premium veneers and fine woods, the company will continue to focus on quality, sustainability, and long-term partnerships — values that have always been the foundation of its success.
