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ZF Friedrichshafen AG has announced a significant leadership transition within its Board of Management. The company’s Supervisory Board has appointed Mathias Miedreich as the new Chairman of the Board of Management. This change follows the mutual agreement for the current CEO, Dr. Holger Klein, and Board Member Prof. Dr. Peter Laier to leave their positions effective September 30, 2025.
Key Highlights
- Mathias Miedreich will become the new CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG.
- Current CEO Dr. Holger Klein is stepping down by mutual agreement.
- Board Member Prof. Dr. Peter Laier will also leave the company.
- Both departures are scheduled for September 30, 2025.
- The transition is part of the company’s ongoing strategic realignment to build on recent successes.
Leadership Transition at ZF
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a global technology company, is undergoing a major change in its executive leadership. In a special meeting, the company’s Supervisory Board appointed Mathias Miedreich as the new Chairman of the Board of Management. Miedreich has been a member of the Board of Management since January 2025, leading the Electrified Powertrain Technology division. The Supervisory Board expressed confidence in Miedreich, highlighting his deep industry experience and his success in advancing the restructuring of his division since joining the board.
Departures from the Board of Management
The appointment of a new CEO comes as two key members of the board prepare to depart. Dr. Holger Klein, who has served as CEO since January 1, 2023, will leave the Board of Management by mutual agreement. The Supervisory Board and Dr. Klein reached an amicable decision to terminate his contract ahead of schedule.
Simultaneously, Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, a Board Member responsible for Commercial Vehicle Solutions, Industrial Technology, and other key areas, will also step down from his position on September 30, 2025. According to the announcement, his departure was attributed to differing views on the company’s future strategic direction. Both the Supervisory Board and company shareholders expressed their appreciation for his contributions.
Statements on the Transition
Supervisory Board Chairman Dr. Rolf Breidenbach thanked Dr. Klein for his commitment to ZF over the past decade. He acknowledged that Dr. Klein’s strategy laid the foundation for the company’s turnaround and has already shown significant success. “We must now build on what’s been achieved and continue with the strategy we’ve embarked upon,” Dr. Breidenbach stated, expressing his confidence in the incoming CEO.
Dr. Klein remarked on the progress made during his tenure, noting the initial success of the ‘Strengthening our Strengths’ strategy. He emphasized that the company’s performance programs are working, with profitability and cash flow improving. “I’m deeply convinced that we are on the right track to making ZF successful again as well as securing jobs,” Dr. Klein said, adding that he believes now is the right time to hand over leadership.
Reflecting on his time at the company, Prof. Dr. Laier stated that the Commercial Vehicles Solutions and Industrial Technology divisions have been significantly enhanced and internationalized under his guidance. He noted that the divisions and departments he was responsible for are well-positioned for the future.
Future of the Board
With these changes, ZF will need to fill key leadership roles. The company announced that it will provide information on the succession plan for the Board positions overseeing the Electrified Powertrain Technology division and the Commercial Vehicle Solutions and Industrial Technology divisions in due course. The leadership shuffle aims to ensure the continued implementation of the company’s strategic goals and to maintain its trajectory of economic stabilization and future success.
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