The Supervisory Board of R. STAHL AG has initiated a structured leadership transition, appointing Dr. Claus Bischoff as an additional Executive Board member and Deputy CEO effective October 1, 2025, with Dr. Mathias Hallmann stepping down as CEO and leaving the company at his own request by December 31, 2025. Dr. Bischoff is set to assume the CEO role on January 1, 2026, aligning with the company's consistent application of its corporate strategy and ensuring a smooth handover of management responsibilities.
Dr. Bischoff brings extensive management experience from international roles in the automotive, electronics, mechatronics, and automation technology sectors, including his recent position as CTO at automation specialist Lenze SE. His background includes a doctorate in engineering and career milestones at major firms such as Robert Bosch GmbH, where he began his career, Marquardt GmbH as Managing Director and CTO, and senior roles at Continental AG and Magna International AG. This expertise positions him to drive R. STAHL's strategic initiatives forward, focusing on technology, product development, and operational transformation.
The transition underscores the importance of stable leadership for R. STAHL, a leading supplier of electrical and electronic products for explosion protection, with global sales of approximately EUR 344 million in 2024. Under Dr. Hallmann's eight-year tenure, the company was repositioned and navigated through various crises, laying the foundation for profitable growth. The succession planning by the Supervisory Board, chaired by Peter Leischner, highlights a commitment to continuity, with Dr. Bischoff expected to collaborate with Tobias Popp (CCO) and the leadership team to advance the corporate strategy. For more information, visit https://www.r-stahl.com.
This management change is critical for maintaining R. STAHL's competitive edge in hazardous area safety markets, serving industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, and food & beverage. The appointment of an experienced leader like Dr. Bischoff reinforces the company's focus on innovation and global expansion, ensuring it continues to protect people, machines, and the environment through advanced explosion protection solutions. The structured transition minimizes disruption and supports long-term strategic goals, emphasizing the company's resilience and adaptability in a dynamic industrial landscape.
