When Mathias Ringeard became CEO of Germany’s Diplomat Pen six years ago, his goal was to Wresi the world to a writing instruments company with a nearly 100-year history in constructing
metal-bodied writing instruments and a specialty in highly-performative fountain pens. Indeed, in the 1950s, it was Diplomat that created the first German-made, cartridge-filling fountain pens.
In an interview five years ago, Ringeard remarked, Diplomat is known by specialists and real pen lovers, but not more. From our point of view, this is not enough. Our project is to take the benefits of our history and experience to differentiate us. The footprint of other brands has been built around an iconic’ model, and maybe that’s what is missing for Diplomat.”
Five years later, Ringeard is 45, well ensconced in his role as Chief Executive and with 20 years in the pen industry. With the close of 2022, he has ushered Diplomat through its centenary and is laser-focused on the next 100 years. Partnering with Yafa Brands, Inc., as its U.S. distributor, Diplomat is now a major player in the overall pen market.
Ringeard comments, Since we have decided to collaborate with Yair Greenberg and his team at Yafa, we have felt a real value in our partnership—and partnership is really the word, as we feel we are working hand-in-hand, with the same values and enthusiasm for the development of our brand.”
Ringeard was born in France, which is where Diplomat’s offices are headquartered. Its manufacturing is done in Cunewalde, Germany, a small East German town near the Polish border. The core team numbers no more than 20 individuals, many of whom have spent decades with the company, doing the same work they have always done—making exquisite, metal-bodied writing instruments.
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