Lübke Kelber AG disclosed that Chief Executive Officer Marc Sahling will leave the firm on 30 September 2026, ending a tenure that began in 2019 and saw him become sole CEO last year.
CEO departure confirmed
The board said Sahling is exiting at his own request. A supervisory board member, Jürgen F. Kelber, thanked him for “significant development” and “great personal commitment,” adding that the company wishes him success in future endeavors.
Sahling’s exit follows a period of growth for the German real‑estate platform, during which it secured the European Real Estate Brand Award for three straight years. The announcement did not indicate any immediate operational disruptions.
New board member takes the helm
Effective 24 August 2026, Dr. Karsten Lieser will join the executive board. He previously served as Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Lübke Kelber Investment Partners, the group’s investment arm.
The move places a former chief investment officer directly on the main board, signaling that investment expertise will guide the firm’s next phase. The board also plans to add another senior executive before year‑end, though the identity and role remain undisclosed.
The board’s new shape feels a bit like rearranging the furniture while the house is still occupied, ensuring continuity rather than leaving a leadership void.
For investors, this reshuffle suggests a deliberate effort to reinforce governance ahead of the CEO transition. By expanding the board now, the company appears to be positioning for growth rather than simply managing a changeover.
Strategic direction stays on course
Lübke Kelber maintains its focus on institutional asset transactions, investment management, and residential property management across Germany’s major markets. The firm says it will keep scaling an integrated platform that operates independently of individual deals and market cycles.
Having broadened its advisory services into full‑cycle management workflows, the company views the CIO‑to‑board promotion as a way to drive that integrated approach forward.
In practice, the continuity of leadership may reassure partners that the platform’s long‑term plans remain intact, even as the headline leadership changes.
Institutional partners and investors are expected to monitor the upcoming board appointment for clues about how Lübke Kelber intends to expand beyond its transaction‑driven origins. The next few months should reveal whether the brand’s recent accolades translate into a seamless handover and sustained growth.