The Supervisory Board of R. STAHL AG and Dr. Claus Bischoff, Chairman of the Management Board, have mutually agreed to end their cooperation as of 31 May 2026. Dr. Claus Bischoff has resigned from his office as member of the Management Board with immediate effect at his own request and for personal reasons. Management Board member Tobias Popp will assume responsibility for the division previously managed by Dr. Bischoff until further notice. The Supervisory Board has already initiated steps for further succession planning.
The Supervisory Board thanks Dr. Bischoff for his great commitment to R. STAHL AG, in particular for the economic stabilisation of the company that has been initiated and for the development and launch of the NEXUS future programme for corporate development. With this programme, Dr. Bischoff has created a basis for future-proof market positioning, portfolio alignment, structural development and sustainable internationalisation of the company.
The NEXUS future programme will be continued by Management Board member Tobias Popp in continuous coordination with the Supervisory Board and further developed in view of rapidly changing framework conditions. The Supervisory Board regrets the departure of Dr. Bischoff and wishes him all the best and continued success for the future.
This leadership change comes at a critical time for R. STAHL, a global leader in explosion protection products and systems. The company serves key industries including chemical, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, and food and beverage, and has been focusing on hydrogen applications. The departure of Dr. Bischoff, who spearheaded the NEXUS programme, raises questions about the continuity of strategic initiatives. However, the board's swift appointment of Tobias Popp and commitment to succession planning suggest a smooth transition. The company reported global sales of around EUR 313 million in 2025, and the management change may impact investor confidence. The NEXUS programme's emphasis on internationalisation and portfolio alignment remains crucial for R. STAHL's competitiveness in rapidly evolving markets. For more information about R. STAHL, visit www.r-stahl.com.
Forward-looking statements in this release are based on assumptions and estimates of management, and actual results may differ materially due to risks such as macroeconomic changes, exchange rate fluctuations, and competitive dynamics. The company does not plan to update these statements.
