A Life for the Blue Triangle: Otto Julius Maier Turns 95 - Ravensburger's 'Mr. Ravensburger' Turns 95: A Century of Toy Innovation
Ravensburger, the renowned German toy and game manufacturer, is celebrating a significant milestone this year. The company's founder's grandson, Otto Julius Maier, often referred to as 'Mr. Ravensburger', turns 95 on October 6. Under his four-decade leadership, Ravensburger grew from a small publisher to an international corporation with over 2,500 employees.
Otto Julius Maier took the helm of the family business at the age of 22 in 1952, following his father's death. However, it's important to note that Ravensburger was founded not in the 1950s, but already in 1883 by Otto Robert Maier. The company's headquarters and founding city remain Ravensburg, a city in southern Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Under Maier's leadership, Ravensburger expanded to around 1,500 employees by 1995 and became a European brand for games, puzzles, and children's books. His contributions were recognised with high awards, including the Great Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic and the Medal of Merit of Baden-Württemberg.
Today, Ravensburger is a global enterprise with locations in Europe, the USA, Mexico, and China. Its portfolio includes classic board games like 'Journey around the Earth', published in 1884, and modern favourites such as 'Malefiz' and 'Das verrückte Labyrinth'. The company's turnover in 2022 was approximately 790 million euros. Since 2017, Clemens Maier, Otto Julius Maier's son, has been leading the company.
Ravensburger's story is one of growth and success, shaped by the leadership qualities of Otto Julius Maier. From its humble beginnings in 1883, the company has evolved into a global player in the toy and game industry. As 'Mr. Ravensburger' celebrates his 95th birthday, the company continues to thrive under the leadership of his son, Clemens Maier.
