Butchers' Guild Elects New Leader After 30-Year Era

New Guild Master Takes Over After 30 Years of Leadership in Franconia

A Changing of the Guard: Middle Franconia's Butchers' Guild Bids Farewell to a 30-Year Leader

When a defining figure in a traditional craft steps down after exactly three decades at the helm, it marks a profound turning point. That is precisely the shift now unfolding at the Butchers' Guild of Central Middle Franconia. At this year's general assembly, members unanimously elected Manfred Weber, a 58-year-old master butcher from Lauf, as their new Guild Master. He succeeds Konrad Ammon, 69, who after three decades of demanding voluntary service is now looking to step back. In recognition of his 30 years of leadership, the assembly immediately conferred upon the native of Fürth the honorary title of Guild Master Emeritus.

Weber, who has run his own business in the heart of Lauf since 1994, paid tribute to his predecessor. Ammon's tenure, he said, had always been marked by forward-thinking and modernity. Whether in his own operation in Burgfarrnbach or in his advocacy for the profession, Ammon had consistently championed young talent—a principle Weber underscored with the words, "After all, they are our future." In his new role, Weber pledged to fill Ammon's large shoes to the best of his ability and urged his colleagues to address challenges openly. The new Guild Master brings a wealth of experience to the table: beyond his work as a master craftsman and employer of 25 staff, he is a CSU local councilor and runs a pig-fattening farm. Weber is no stranger to guild affairs, having served for years as Guild Master in the Lauf-Hersbruck district and, most recently, as deputy in the Middle Franconian organization. "Without Konrad Ammon's commitment," he emphasized, "our traditional craft would not be in such strong shape today."

A visibly moved Konrad Ammon bid farewell, reflecting that his time in office had left an indelible mark on his life. Over the years, he said, the guild had tackled challenges with courage, creativity, and no small amount of improvisation. A trained butcher who earned his master's certificate at just 23 in 1980, Ammon took over his family's business on Würzburg Street in 1991—a company founded in 1906. His career has been nothing short of remarkable: from leading the Fürth guild to managing the Butchers' Slaughterhouse, and later serving as vice president of the German Butchers' Association, he has been a tireless advocate for his trade far beyond the region. In 2024, Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder honored his contributions with the Bavarian Order of Merit.

That Ammon leaves behind not just a strategic legacy but a deeply human one was confirmed by Stefan Wolf, his deputy, who praised his collegial and affable leadership style. Thomas Mörtel, managing director of the District Crafts Association, recalled milestones such as the Zirndorf Culinary Festival, 17 slaughterhouse celebrations, and the expansion of political networks all the way to government ministries. Ammon himself admitted he was leaving "with one eye laughing and one eye crying." Though stepping back, he said, a part of him would always remain connected to the guild's future work.

Surrounding the new Guild Master is a proven team. In the board elections, Stefan Wolf and Stephan Emmert were reappointed as deputies. Max Ammon and Thomas Hubbes will continue overseeing apprentices, while Claus Steiner will manage property affairs. Georg Meyer, Stefan Siemandel, and Markus Wendler will serve as assessors. Sabine Fischer and Thomas Frauenknecht will take over audit duties, replacing Sven Freyberger, who stepped down as an assessor.