Stephan Kirsch appointed as incoming CEO of GMA Garnet Group

Jebsen & Jessen Group has appointed Stephan Kirsch as Chief Executive Officer of its business unit, GMA Garnet Group, effective in the fourth quarter of 2025.

His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for GMA, with a sharpened strategic direction focused on accelerating global growth, strengthening operations, and advancing innovation and sustainability.

Mr. Kirsch brings with him extensive global leadership experience, having held senior executive roles with FLSmidth, Metso, Metso Outotec, ThyssenKrupp, Hofmann Engineering and KHD Humboldt Wedag. He has also served as a member of GMA’s Advisory Board for the past three and a half years, providing him with deep familiarity with the business and its future ambitions.

A dual German and Australian citizen, Mr. Kirsch holds a Master of Science in Mining & Mineral Processing and a postgraduate degree in Waste Management & Recycling from RWTH Aachen University in Germany.

“We are delighted to welcome Stephan into this role at such a pivotal time for GMA,” said Heinrich Jessen, Chairman of Jebsen & Jessen Group.

“His extensive experience and long-standing connection with the business make him uniquely positioned to lead GMA into its next phase of growth. We are confident that under his leadership, GMA will continue to strengthen its global presence and deliver long-term value for customers and stakeholders.”

Mr. Kirsch will lead GMA with a clear mandate to sharpen its strategic direction and accelerate growth across global markets. His focus will be on strengthening GMA’s operational base, advancing research and development, and driving innovation that enhances customer value. The Americas — including the United States and Latin America — will be central to this next phase of growth, alongside established markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

GMA is recognized as the world’s leading vertically integrated supplier of industrial garnet, with operations spanning mines, processing plants, recycling facilities and distribution networks across more than 100 countries. Under Mr. Kirsch’s leadership, the company will continue to expand production capabilities and invest in supply chain resilience to ensure a secure and consistent supply of garnet to its customers worldwide.

Innovation and research will remain central to GMA’s path forward. The business has a strong track record of developing advanced abrasive products and recycling technologies that improve customer productivity while supporting more sustainable practices. With dedicated R&D focused on engineered blends, product performance and the development of new applications for garnet and associated minerals, GMA is committed to driving progress and extending the value of garnet into emerging industries.

Sustainability will also continue to underpin GMA’s global operations. The company’s recovery and reprocessing initiatives, which have already recycled more than 195,000 tonnes of spent garnet in the past five years, provide customers with environmentally responsible disposal solutions while conserving resources for the future. Combined with investments in renewable energy, land rehabilitation and responsible water stewardship, GMA remains committed to aligning growth with environmental and social responsibility.

“It is a privilege to step into the role of CEO at GMA Garnet Group at such an important stage in the company’s journey,” said Stephan Kirsch, incoming CEO of GMA Garnet Group.

“Having worked closely with the business through the Advisory Board, I have seen first-hand the strength of its people, operations, and partnerships. Together, we will continue to build on this foundation — accelerating innovation, growing our presence in key global markets, and ensuring we deliver sustainable value to our customers and communities.”

With Mr. Kirsch’s appointment, GMA  looks ahead with confidence to a new era of growth, innovation, and long-term value creation for its customers, stakeholders and the industries it serves.