The Supervisory Board of R. STAHL AG has established a framework for a gradual, structured handover of company management. Effective 1 October 2025, Dr. Claus Bischoff will be appointed as an additional member of the Executive Board and Deputy CEO. Dr. Mathias Hallmann will continue as CEO until the end of 2025, providing support during the transition before stepping down at his own request on 31 December 2025. This resolution aligns with his longstanding service contract as Chairman of the Executive Board, originally scheduled to conclude on 30 September 2026. The Supervisory Board had previously identified Dr. Bischoff as a successor through strategic succession planning.
Dr. Bischoff brings extensive management experience from international companies across the automotive, electronics, mechatronics, and automation technology sectors. Holding a doctorate in engineering, he most recently served as CTO at automation specialist Lenze SE. His career began after studying mechatronics and automation at Robert Bosch GmbH, where he accumulated substantial professional experience. Further career milestones included roles as Managing Director and CTO at mechatronics specialist Marquardt GmbH, where he oversaw development, sales, and business units. Dr. Bischoff has also held senior positions at Continental AG and Magna International AG, contributing diverse industry expertise to his new position at R. STAHL AG.
Peter Leischner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized that this transition supports the consistent application of the company's corporate strategy. Dr. Hallmann has worked over the past eight years to reposition R. STAHL, successfully navigating the Group through various crises and establishing a foundation for profitable growth. With Dr. Bischoff, the company has secured an experienced successor who, as a strong leader with deep expertise in technology, product development, and operational transformation, will continue to advance the strategic process alongside Tobias Popp (CCO), the R. STAHL leadership team, and the entire workforce. This leadership change ensures continuity in the company's direction while introducing fresh perspectives to its technological development and global operations.
For HR vendors and industry stakeholders, this announcement highlights the importance of strategic succession planning in maintaining organizational stability. The structured transition minimizes disruption and aligns leadership changes with long-term corporate strategy, a practice that can mitigate risks associated with executive turnover. Dr. Bischoff's background in automation and technology may signal R. STAHL's increased focus on innovation and digital transformation, potentially influencing product development and market positioning. This could create opportunities for vendors offering HR technology, training, or consulting services that support leadership development and technological integration. The move also reflects a broader trend in the HR and talent management landscape, where companies are prioritizing seamless leadership transitions to sustain growth and adapt to evolving industry demands. By ensuring a smooth handover, R. STAHL AG sets an example for effective governance that other organizations may emulate, reinforcing the value of proactive talent management in driving business continuity and competitive advantage.
