Hans Kottmann
Hans Kottmann (1910-1964) was managing director of the Langendorf Watch Company (Lanco) factory in Langendorf. He was the fourth generation of the Kottmann family to manage the factory and shared this responsibility with his brother Guido. Following the sudden deaths of Hans and Guido Kottmann the Lanco factory was purchased by the SSIH group and ultimately closed a decade later.
Hans Kottmann was born in 1910, the son of Ernst Kottmann and Dora, née Stünzi. He went to work for the family watchmaking factory in 1929 as sales manager at just 19 years of age, quickly becoming heir apparent to his father. Hans' younger brother Guido followed soon after, shadowing his uncle Rudolf Kottmann in managing the workers' crisis fund among other duties. The brothers' involvement in the firm set the workers and board members at ease and they were well-prepared to take over from their father and uncle.
Hans Kottmann married Anneliese Simper.
In 1943 he joined the Committee of the Watch Manufacturers' Association in German Switzerland, and he was president of the organization from 1954 to 1956.
Hans moved rapidly into management of the Langendorf factory, and he was well-prepared to take over when his father's health failed in the 1940s. Ernst stepped back from management, becoming vice-chairman of the board in 1942, clearing the path for Hans to become authorized signatory in 1943. Following Ernst Kottmann's death on October 16, 1944, Hans' uncle Rudolf took his place on the board and the brothers Hans and Guido were appointed directors. Hans took over administration of the pension fund shortly before his uncle's death in 1952, and Hans and Guido became delegates of the board in 1961.
Tragically, Hans Kottmann was killed in a traffic accident on December 10, 1964 and his brother Guido died of a heart attack the following June. With the industry changing, and with no obvious heir, the family firm was sold to the SSIH group.