Gerhard Weber (designer) facts for kids

Gerhard Weber (born June 3, 1941 – died September 24, 2020) was a German fashion designer and a smart businessman. He started a famous fashion company called Gerry Weber in Halle, Germany. He was also known for signing the tennis star Steffi Graf early in her career. Plus, he created the Halle Open, a big tennis tournament.

Early Life and Business Start

Gerhard Weber was born in Halle, Germany. His mother owned a shop that sold clothes and other items. He worked there when he was young and learned about the fashion world. After school, he studied to become a textile merchant. In 1965, he opened his own fashion shop in Versmold.

A Gerry Weber store in Mannheim

In 1973, Weber started a company called Hatex AG in Halle with his friend Udo Hardieck. They first made trousers for women. Later, in the early 1980s, they started making all kinds of women's fashion. The company changed its name to Gerry Weber International AG in 1986. It became known simply as Gerry Weber.

A Smart Marketing Move

In 1986, Weber made a very smart business move. He signed the 17-year-old tennis player Steffi Graf to promote his brand. This was before she became a huge international star. This deal helped the Gerry Weber brand become very well known. In 1989, the company's shares were sold on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Weber's family remained the biggest owners.

Weber stopped being the chief executive of the company in 2014. His son took over the role. He stayed on the company's board until 2018. The company later faced challenges from cheaper clothing brands. It also found it harder to attract younger customers. In 2019, investors took over the company, and the Weber family no longer had control.

Sports and Community

Gerhard Weber loved playing golf. He also had a big impact on tennis. In 1992, he organized a tennis event in Halle. The next year, this event became the Halle Open. This is a major tennis tournament played on grass courts. He also helped build the Gerry Weber Stadion (now called OWL Arena) in 1992. This stadium hosts the Halle Open.

Weber was also the president of the TC Blau-Weiss Halle tennis club. This club became one of Germany's most successful tennis clubs. The Gerry Weber Stadion is not just for tennis. It has also hosted concerts by famous artists like Elton John, Whitney Houston, and Luciano Pavarotti. Weber also supported the soccer club Arminia Bielefeld starting in 2017.

Personal Life

Gerhard Weber was married to Charlotte Weber. They had two sons together. Gerhard Weber passed away on September 24, 2020, in Münster. He was 79 years old.

Awards and Recognition

Gerhard Weber received many awards for his work, including:

• 1996: International Fashion Marketing Award from Igedo
• 1997: "Entrepreneur of the Year" for Ostwestfalen-Lippe (OWL) in 1996
• 2002: Marketing Award from the Sales Manager Club Ostwestfalen
• 2011: Lifetime Achievement Award from TextilWirtschaft [de] magazine
• 2012: Social Oscar from the Gütersloh foundation
• 2013: "Best Fashion Retailer in Germany"

See also

In Spanish: Gerhard Weber para niños