Jebsen & Jessen Group has announced the appointment of Stephan Kirsch as CEO of GMA Garnet Group, effective in the fourth quarter of 2025. The appointment signals a new strategic chapter for the world’s leading vertically integrated industrial garnet supplier, with plans to accelerate global growth, strengthen operations, and advance innovation and sustainability initiatives.
Kirsch brings extensive international leadership experience to the role, having held senior executive positions with major industrial companies including FLSmidth, Metso, Metso Outotec, ThyssenKrupp, Hofmann Engineering, and KHD Humboldt Wedag. His familiarity with GMA’s operations is well-established, having served on the company’s Advisory Board for the past three and a half years, providing him with comprehensive insight into the business and its strategic objectives.
A dual German and Australian citizen, Kirsch holds a Master of Science in Mining & Mineral Processing and a postgraduate degree in Waste Management & Recycling from RWTH Aachen University in Germany.
Heinrich Jessen, chairman of Jebsen & Jessen Group, expressed confidence in the appointment, stating that Kirsch’s extensive experience and long-standing connection with the business position him uniquely to lead GMA into its next growth phase. The chairman emphasised expectations that under Kirsch’s leadership, GMA will continue strengthening its global presence and delivering long-term value for customers and stakeholders.
Strategic Focus and Growth Markets
Kirsch will assume leadership with a clear mandate to refine GMA’s strategic direction and accelerate expansion across global markets. His priorities include strengthening the company’s operational foundation, advancing research and development capabilities, and driving innovation that enhances customer value.
The Americas—encompassing the United States and Latin America—will play a central role in GMA’s next growth phase, complementing the company’s established presence in Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. The company plans to continue expanding production capabilities and investing in supply chain resilience to ensure secure and consistent garnet supply to customers worldwide.
Innovation and Sustainability Commitments
Innovation and research will remain fundamental to GMA’s strategic direction. The company has developed a strong track record in creating advanced abrasive products and recycling technologies that enhance customer productivity while supporting sustainable practices. GMA’s dedicated research and development efforts focus on engineered blends, product performance optimization, and developing new applications for garnet and associated minerals, with ambitions to extend garnet’s value into emerging industries.
Sustainability continues to underpin GMA’s global operations. The company’s recovery and reprocessing initiatives have recycled more than 195,000 tonnes of spent garnet over the past five years, providing customers with environmentally responsible disposal solutions while conserving natural resources. These efforts are complemented by investments in renewable energy, land rehabilitation, and responsible water stewardship, demonstrating GMA’s commitment to aligning growth with environmental and social responsibility.
Looking Forward
Kirsch acknowledged the significance of his appointment, describing it as a privilege to lead GMA at this important juncture. Having worked closely with the business through the Advisory Board, he noted his firsthand observation of the strength of the company’s people, operations, and partnerships. He outlined his vision to build on this foundation by accelerating innovation, expanding presence in key global markets, and ensuring the delivery of sustainable value to customers and communities.
With Kirsch’s appointment, GMA Garnet Group positions itself for a new era of growth, innovation, and long-term value creation across the industries it serves. The company operates mines, processing plants, recycling facilities, and distribution networks spanning more than 100 countries, maintaining its position as the world’s leading vertically integrated supplier of industrial garnet.
For more information visit www.jjsea.com and www.gmagarnet.com
