Markus Benz, CEO of Walter Knoll, paid tribute to his late father, highlighting his lasting influence on the family business. He described him as a "creator" who built for the future, shaping Walter Knoll through trust, foresight, and belief in people.
The late Rolf Benz.
'The most valuable lesson he taught me was confidence and foresight—the ability to bring people together, recognize their potential, and believe in them. He had a profound understanding of how to strengthen a family business by investing in people and trusting them to grow. That trust shaped everything he did.
What I will miss the most is exactly that: his trust. It was present in every decision, in every conversation. It gave me strength, and I will carry it forward. Our relationship was always built on mutual confidence, always with the next generation in mind. He wanted his children and grandchildren to have every opportunity to thrive. That was what mattered most to him.
Walter Knoll exists today because of his belief in others. He had the rare ability to let go when the time was right and pass on responsibility with confidence. His vision was never about holding onto power, but about creating something lasting.
For that generosity and wisdom, I am deeply grateful. His spirit will continue to inspire me every day. As a family, we stand together, and that strength is his true legacy. It is something we will always carry with us.'
Source: LinkedIn.