This decision firmly positions the company towards the implementation of its 2020+ growth strategy, which aims to fulfil Lenze’s strategic priorities and goals until 2020 and beyond.
The newly created domain of directorial responsibility—operations—will be filled by Jochen Heier, who will be Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 1, 2018. Heier’s most recent position was at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, the world’s biggest automotive supplier of interiors. As vice president and general manager for Europe and South Africa, he was responsible for the management, strategic development and expansion of the business. Before that, Heier held managerial positions in a variety of companies, including Johnson Controls, Exide Technologies and Frauenthal Holding AG.
“We are excited to continue fulfilling our 2020+ growth strategy,” said Christian Wendler, CEO and chairman of the board of directors, Lenze. “Hiring Jochen means that Lenze has succeeded in appointing an internationally experienced manager with a wide range of competencies in production, supply chain, technology, internationalization and strategy implementation. In the newly created position, Jochen will be instrumental in continuing Lenze’s positive development in the area of operations.
“By further expanding our board of directors, we believe we are excellently equipped to master the steadily growing challenges in the machine and plant manufacturing industry and to fully take advantage of the opportunities that are now emerging. Our goal is to keep growing, not only nationally but also internationally, in our three core areas—mechatronics, automation systems and solutions, and digital services—and to set Lenze up in a sustainable way for the future,” continued Wendler.
The directorial responsibilities of Christian Wendler as CEO and chairman of the board; Dr. Yorck Schmidt as Chief Financial Officer; and Frank Maier as Chief Technology Officer remain unchanged.
