Hans Imhoff

Hans Imhoff (March 12, 1922 – December 21, 2007) was a German industrialist and businessman. He founded the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum, which bears his name.

Imhoff was born in Cologne to Franz and Charotte Imhoff (nee Gallé). After leaving Elementary School he then joined a Trade School, where he trained in Commercial and Vocational Studies. Imhoff founded a chocolate and sugar factory after the war, which became very successful. In 1972 Imhoff took over the failing Stollwerk chocolate company, and managed to convert it into a successful business. He built up a European Chocolate group through acquiring other brands such as Sprengel and Sarotti. Imhoff retired from the company in 2002

In 1993 Imhoff opened the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum in Cologne which creates around 650,000 visitors per year. In 2001 the city of Cologne gave Imhoff an honorary citizenship.

Imhoff was married to Clare Gerburg Schmitt, with whom he had four children. He died on 21st December 2007 (aged 85) of an infection caused by lung inflammation.

References

* [http://www.ksta.de/html/artikel/1198278216329.shtml Hans Imhoff obituary]