Bechtle co-founder Gerhard Schick dies aged 84

“His legacy lives on, not only in our memories, but in the way we conduct business every day,” said Thomas Olemotz, CEO of Bechtle

Gerhard Schick, Becthle’s co-founder, shareholder, and former chair of the executive and supervisory boards, has passed away on 4 March 2025.

Born in 1940 in Gaildorf, Germany, he co-founded Bechtle in 1983, alongside Ralf Klenk and Klaus von Jan, in a small shop in Heilbronn, in what used to be the Federal Republic of Germany.

In 1988, he and Klenk established a plan for an IPO in 2000, targeting revenues of 100m Deutschmarks (DEM).

In 1995, the associates successfully brought the company’s revenue beyond DEM100m (£70.45m).

In 2000, he assumed the role of CEO.

That same year, Bechtle got publicly listed on the Neuer Markt segment of Germany's stock exchange Deutsche Börse.

From 2004 to 2012, and from an interim basis from late 2013 to 2014, he operated as chair of the Bechtle supervisory board, before being appointed honorary chair.

Under his leadership, the company grew from a regional business into one of Germany’s most important tech organisations, as the VAR is listed on the TecDAX stock index, which includes the 30 largest German tech companies.

He is survived by his daughter, Karin Schick, who in 2022 launched the Gerhard and Ilse Schick foundation, in honour of her parents.

The foundation, which aims to contribute to charitable, benevolent, and ecclesiastical causes, is based in Gaildorf, the co-founder's hometown and the location of Bechtle’s financial headquarters.

The foundation recently launched its first scholarship programme, Female Upgreat (FEAT), to equip girls and women in IT with long-term support and sponsorship.

He also leaves behind more than 15,800 employees across Europe.

“On behalf of the company and all our employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Gerhard Schick,” said Thomas Olemotz, CEO of Bechtle.

“He was a visionary entrepreneur, a businessman of the old school who upheld virtues that have become increasingly rare.

“The values our founders have cultivated remain the foundation of our company to this day.

“Gerhard Schick’s legacy lives on, not only in our memories, but in the way we conduct business every day.”