Business · Companies · 3 hrs ago
Former Miele leader Peter Christian Zinkann dies aged 98
Peter Christian Zinkann, Miele’s former leader, has died aged 98; the company said he died on Monday.
He joined the German household-appliance maker in 1958, after studying mechanical engineering and earning a doctorate.
He led Miele for more than four decades and left his role as managing partner in 2004.
Miele was founded in 1899 by his grandfather, Reinhard Zinkann, and Carl Miele.
During Zinkann’s time, Miele introduced products including an electronically controlled dryer and dishwashers with cutlery drawers.
The company said his role was decisive in Miele’s success.
Miele continues to make appliances including washing machines, dryers and dishwashers, and its son Reinhard Zinkann has been on the company’s management team since 1999.
Former Miele chief Peter Christian Zinkann died on Monday aged 98, the company said.
Zinkann joined the household-appliance maker in 1958 and led it for more than four decades.
Miele credited him with a decisive role in the company’s success.
Innovations during his tenure included an electronically controlled dryer in 1966, dishwashers with cutlery trays from 1986 and the Miele honeycomb drum in 2001.
He left his role as managing partner in 2004.
- Who
- Peter Christian Zinkann, former chief of household-appliance maker Miele.
- What
- He died aged 98.
- When
- Monday, 19 October 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Zinkann was born in Bremen.
He joined Miele, the company founded by his grandfather Reinhard Zinkann and Carl Miele in 1899.
Miele introduced an electronically controlled dryer during Zinkann’s time at the company.
Miele introduced dishwashers with cutlery trays.
Miele introduced its honeycomb drum.
Zinkann left his role as managing partner.
- Age at death
- 98
- Joined Miele
- 1958
- Led Miele
- More than four decades
- Managing partner role ended
- 2004
- Company headquarters
- Gütersloh
8 sources
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What people are saying
Miele, the industry and the country are losing an outstanding entrepreneurial figure, the family its generous patriarch, the city a committed honorary citizen – and Miele’s workforce its highly respected senior chief.
decisive role