The Supervisory Board of Cherry SE announced the appointment of Rogier Volmer as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Management Board member effective January 1, 2026. Concurrently, Oliver Kaltner will leave the Management Board at his own request upon the expiration of his current term on December 31, 2025. Kaltner will continue to provide advisory support for the Company’s merger and acquisition efforts, ensuring a degree of continuity during the leadership transition.
This leadership change matters as it occurs at what the company describes as a moment of significant strategic opportunity. Cherry SE, a global manufacturer of computer peripherals and digital health solutions, is positioning itself to advance its role in key growth areas including gaming, hybrid-work technology, and digital health. The appointment of Volmer, who brings over 25 years of international leadership experience from companies like Haier Europe, Trust International, and Logitech, is aimed at continuing the company's strong focus on revenue and earnings growth. His track record includes leading a successful turnaround and significant EBIT improvement at Haier's DACH & Benelux region and driving a full commercial transformation at Trust International that achieved sustained double-digit growth.
Marcel Stolk, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized the board's confidence in Volmer's ability to lead, stating the company remains a market leader in excellence and innovation. The implications of this announcement extend to the company's strategic direction, with Volmer noting his intention to build on the foundation created by Kaltner and work with the organization to deliver sustainable performance and continued innovation. This suggests a commitment to maintaining strategic momentum rather than initiating a radical shift in corporate direction.
The departure of Oliver Kaltner marks the end of a three-year tenure described as intense, involving tough restructuring measures. Stolk expressed the Supervisory Board's gratitude for Kaltner's exceptional leadership, noting that under his guidance, significant structural measures were successfully implemented domestically and internationally, the company's operational profile was sharpened, and the organization was aligned for future development stages. Kaltner himself reflected that the time was right for his departure, having helped reshape Cherry's potential and set the iconic brand on a positive future direction. His ongoing advisory role in M&A indicates his expertise will remain accessible as the company pursues growth initiatives.
For stakeholders, including investors and business partners, this transition signals managed succession planning. The company's focus areas—gaming peripherals, hybrid-work technology, and digital health—are all competitive, innovation-driven markets. Leadership stability and strategic clarity are therefore critical. The announcement, made via a press release available on https://ir.cherry.de/en/, provides transparency into the board's decision-making. The planned nature of the transition, with several months' notice before Volmer assumes the role, allows for an orderly handover, potentially minimizing disruption to operations and strategic initiatives as Cherry SE navigates its next phase of development.
