On 1st January 2025, Marc Schaad, the longstanding CTO, will take over operational management of Kistler Group from Rolf Sonderegger, who has led the group as CEO for 22 years.
Marc Schaad is a mechanical engineer and graduate of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH). In his current role, he has played a crucial part in Kistler Group’s ongoing development. He has been responsible for research and development, has headed a business unit and, at the beginning of 2024, he added strategic product management to his remit. Thanks to his wide-ranging experience in these key areas, Marc Schaad is excellently qualified to continue Kistler Group’s successful development.
Marc Schaad comments: “Kistler’s DNA and values remain unchanged: A family run company with a long-term strategic vision that focuses on cutting edge technology to meet the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s customers. I look forward to continuing this success story with a highly motivated Kistler team.”
Under the leadership of Rolf Sonderegger, Kistler Group has evolved from a component manufacturer into a global provider of complete measurement technology solutions for highly dynamic applications. The company was founded at Winterthur, Switzerland, in 1959 by Hans Conrad Sonderegger (Rolf Sonderegger’s father) and Walter P Kistler. In 2002, Rolf Sonderegger assumed overall responsibility as CEO and delegate of the board of directors, acquiring Walter P. Kistler’s shares at the same time. Driven by a targeted growth strategy and strategic acquisitions, the company has achieved sustainable growth of over 500% and created more than 1,500 jobs.
“As the years have gone by, we have worked together to surmount half a dozen crises, overcome various setbacks and celebrate some extraordinary successes. Growth has been the keynote in 19 out of the last 22 financial years – years that have been magnificent and thrilling, but always challenging. However, there is a time for everything, so I will be stepping down as CEO at the end of 2024,” outlines Rolf Sonderegger.
Rolf Sonderegger will remain the majority owner of Kistler Group and he will take over as chairman of the board of directors from Valentin Vogt in spring 2027 after a two year sabbatical.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
Don't have an account? Sign Up
Signing up to Fastener + Fixing Magazine enables you to manage your account details.
