Christof Ronge

Dear Christof, it would have been your birthday today. We did not have enough time working together, but it was enough to get to know the wonderful human being you were. I think of you with fondness and respect for all the things you were working for. I'm grateful we have met. Gilmar

Dear Christof, I’m shocked to read that you left us too early. Thanks for the nice ideas, discussions, collaboration and kindness. Much strength for your loved ones.

Dear Christof, I have many very fond memories of my time with you in both a work and social settings. I especially recall when you pushed myself and others to get behind the importance of having a design strategy and design language across our products and how this can act a glue to bring the business together, something we did poorly before you came along. But more importantly I remember the sharing of a meal and some wine and just enjoying being with an intelligent and passionate person who was also just a very nice guy. Rest well.

Dear Christof, I have so many fond memories from our meetings. You introduced me to the world of design strategy and I learned so much from you over the years. I will miss our get togethers, walking through exhibitions, talking about our shared interests in; cycling, design, technology, art, etc.. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with you. This is such a big loss for all of us and my heart goes out to your family. I will always remember you and the passion you had for this field. -Will Zhang

Christof, you remain in my memory as a great designer and manager who really lives for his work. Our regular discussions, but also the warm and friendly exchanges we had, remain in my mind. I wish your family all the best in this difficult period. You will not be forgotten, Jan

As a designer, I admired her work. I did not meet him in person, but I have had several meetings with him. He was always very nice to me. My condolences to the entire global industrial design team and his family. From Argentina, South America.

Dear Cristof, I am very sad to learn that you have left us way too early. It has been inspirational to work with you in your strive to join the scattered product world of ASSA ABLOY into a vision of belonging. A family with characteristics! Your heritage will be visible inside our company for years to follow. We have just embarked on our journey and our “joint baby”, H100, will have plenty of siblings to follow. I am grateful for learning to know you, your commitment, your vision and support. We wish you peace in your onwards journey with warm condolences to your near and loved ones.

Lieber Christof, als ich Ende 2013 auf der Suche nach einem EMEA Industrial Design Manger war, habe ich ein Inserat in der deutschen ID Fachzeitschrift aufgegeben. Die Redakteurin, mit der ich gesprochen habe sagte mir, da gäbe es jemanden, der mit seinem Hintergrund, seinem Wissen und seiner Art genau auf das passen würde, was wir suchten. Kurz darauf hatten wir unser erstes Gespräch und es dauerte ungefähr fünf Minuten, bis ich voll und ganz von dir überzeugt war. Dein Wissen um Design, deine professionelle Art, Design in Produkte umzusetzen, dein freundliches und verbindliches Wesen aber vor allem anderen dein Enthusiasmus waren immer mitreißend und inspirierend. Anfangs gegen viele Widerstände hast du es geschafft, nüchterne, zahlenorientierte Senior Manager zu überzeugten Designfans zu machen und der ganzen ASSA ABLOY Gruppe eine Vision von zukünftigen Produktgenerationen zu geben. Viel wichtiger als unsere Zusammenarbeit warst du für mich aber als Mensch und als Freund. Immer wieder haben wir unsere großen und kleinen Sorgen in Job und Familie geteilt, gemeinsam gelitten und gehofft, gemeinsam gefeiert. Du warst immer offen, du warst immer du selbst, du warst immer aufrichtig und du hast dich nie entmutigen lassen. Auch als wir im September zuletzt miteinander telefoniert haben, hattest du die Hoffnung und den Kampf nicht aufgegeben. Dass du nun doch gehen musstest macht mich sehr sehr traurig. Ich vermisse dich... Dein Stefan