Funding means Leaving Footprints – The Stolls

The Stoll VITA Foundation was established in 1985 as the result of a family history that has always had a passion for chairs. Founded in 1871 by Albert Stoll I., the chair factory developed over generations into a family business that, in addition to economic success, also anchored social responsibility in its identity. Christof Stoll, grandson of Albert Stoll I., took over the company in 1937 and, together with his wife Emma Stoll, established the foundation. By transferring their assets and the majority shareholding in what is now Sedus Stoll AG, the couple laid the cornerstone for the foundation’s success story.

Christof Stoll was a pioneering entrepreneurial personality and an early advocate for ecological responsibility in business for decades. As Managing Director of “Christof Stoll KG” (Sedus Stoll AG since 1995), he made the company one of Europe’s leading office furniture manufacturers. In doing so, he set standards in environmental awareness and social responsibility early on – long before sustainability became a mainstream concern.

With innovation, vision and a clear stance, he combined economic success with ethical conduct. Christof Stoll introduced employee participation in the company back in the 1950s. In 1985, he and his wife Emma Stoll founded the Stoll VITA Foundation to permanently anchor his commitment to people, nature and society. His conviction that companies bear responsibility for the common good lives on in the foundation to this day.

In recognition of his achievements, Christof Stoll was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit in 1986 and was named “Eco Manager of the Year” by the business magazine “Capital” and the “World Wide Fund for Nature” (WWF) in 1993 – two further testaments to his tireless commitment to sustainable corporate management.

Emma Stoll, who grew up on a farm, showed an early interest in healthy nutrition. While her husband Christof Stoll was busy building what is now Sedus Stoll AG, she began growing biodynamic vegetables for the Sedus kitchen in the 1950s and introduced a lunch programme for employees. In the 1960s, Emma Stoll switched the
staff’s diet to wholefoods, which employees still enjoy in the company restaurant today.

As a committed co-creator and wise advisor, Emma Stoll shaped the family business with great sensitivity, foresight and a strong connection to the employees. Her sense of social responsibility was not only reflected in the corporate culture, but also found expression in the work of the Stoll VITA Foundation. Her commitment to healthy eating remains a major part of the foundation’s work to this day.