At present, ElectronicPartner’s focus is firmly on shaping and implementing its future strategy. As already announced, the first tangible results will be presented at the Congress on 20 and 21 March 2026. One important personnel change, however, is already taking place: as planned, Friedrich Sobol will conclude his professional career in 2026. The fact that this will happen as early as spring is linked to the current realignment plans.
“After careful consideration within the Management Board, we jointly concluded that it makes sense to establish the future leadership structure at an early stage,” explains Professor Stefan Feuerstein, Chairman of the ElectronicPartner Administrative Board. “Once again, we have appointed a senior manager from within our own organisation. Patrick van Tent has an outstanding understanding of the cooperative business model, specialist retailing and our product categories.”
In the future, the Management Team will consist of Matthias Assmann, Greta Ziob and Patrick van Tent. The allocation of responsibilities will remain unchanged, while Patrick van Tent will additionally retain responsibility for the Netherlands subsidiary.
atrick van Tent began his career at ElectronicPartner in 2007 as Head of Purchasing, Marketing and E‑Commerce. He has served as Managing Director of the Netherlands subsidiary since 2017 and joined the Administrative Board of the international retail alliance E‑Square in 2022. Before joining ElectronicPartner, he gained extensive experience in specialist retailing, a perspective he has consistently brought to his work within the buying group.
“We particularly value his pragmatic and constructive approach, as well as the importance he attaches to direct dialogue with our members,” says Professor Stefan Feuerstein. “He has led our Netherlands subsidiary very successfully for many years and has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by specialist retailers – especially in times of margin pressure and growing omnichannel complexity. We are delighted that he will now bring this mindset to the entire buying group.”
Friedrich Sobol also has deep roots in retailing, having spent 20 years in the sector before joining ElectronicPartner. From 2001 to 2013 he served as Managing Director of the Austrian subsidiary, before being appointed to the Management Team of the buying group. In this role, he was instrumental in implementing numerous forward‑looking initiatives, including the successful quality programme for the EP: brand and the privatisation of MEDIMAX.
“ElectronicPartner owes Friedrich Sobol a great deal,” concludes Professor Stefan Feuerstein. “His commitment has made a lasting contribution to the high quality standards and long-term success of the EP:brand. On behalf of the Administrative Board and our shareholders, I would like to thank him sincerely and wish him all the very best for the future.”