R. STAHL AG has moved swiftly to fill a vacancy on its Supervisory Board, with Stuttgart Local Court appointing Elke Eckstein as a new shareholders' representative effective immediately. The appointment, made at the request of the Executive Board, follows the departure of Peter Leischner on 15 September 2026 after many years of service. The court appointment is valid until the end of the Annual General Meeting that resolves on the discharge of the Supervisory Board for the 2026 financial year. This means the Supervisory Board is once again fully staffed and remains completely able to act until a successor is elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
The move is significant because it ensures continuity of oversight at a time when R. STAHL is navigating a transformation of its business. The company, a leading supplier of electrical and electronic products and systems for explosion protection, generated global sales of around EUR 313 million in 2025 with 1,659 employees. Its products prevent explosions in hazardous areas and are used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and food and beverage industries, with many approved for hydrogen applications. A fully functional Supervisory Board is essential for guiding strategic decisions and maintaining investor confidence.
Elke Eckstein brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive in industrial companies, particularly in the semiconductor, electronics, and photonics sectors. She has also served on statutory supervisory boards and comparable international bodies, including JENOPTIK AG, the Danish KK Group A/S, the Norwegian Saferoad SRH Holding AS, the Dutch BE Semiconductor Industries NV, and the Norwegian Norautron Group AS. Her background combines international industry expertise with a sound understanding of technology and corporate governance, which will be valuable as R. STAHL continues its transformation.
Prof. Dr. Peter Hofmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, welcomed Eckstein, stating, “We warmly welcome Elke Eckstein to the Supervisory Board. She combines international industry experience with a sound understanding of technology and corporate governance and has successfully demonstrated her expertise in more challenging situations and demanding sectors. Elke Eckstein will provide valuable impetus for the further development of R. STAHL. At the same time, we thank Peter Leischner for his many years of commitment and our trusting cooperation.” Tobias Popp, Executive Board member, added, “We look forward to working with Elke Eckstein. Her experience will help us drive forward the transformation we have initiated and position R. STAHL for the future.”
The appointment restores the Supervisory Board's ability to act without interruption, a crucial factor for a company listed on the Regulated Market/Prime Standard of Deutsche Boerse. The news was announced via NEWMEDIAWIRE, and further details about R. STAHL can be found at www.r-stahl.com. The original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
