The Supervisory Board of Krones Group has appointed Thomas Ricker as the new Chairman of the Executive Board following a long-term succession planning and has approved a reorganization

At its meeting on 19 March 2026, the Supervisory Board of Krones Group appointed Thomas Ricker as the new Chairman of the Executive Board with effect from June 11, 2026. He succeeds Christoph Klenk, who, as part of a long-term succession plan and with the approval of the Supervisory Board, is stepping down early on June 10, 2026 – following the Annual General Meeting (June 9, 2026).

“Krones will continue on its profitable growth path. In doing so, the company is sharpening its profile as an innovation leader and service provider with a clear customer focus. Thomas Ricker has our full confidence in this role. He will continue to drive forward the objectives set and ensure their successful implementation. Crucial to this are his extensive expertise in mechanical and plant engineering, as well as in the Krones portfolio and markets, which he has already proven over many years in various roles on the Executive Board, most recently as Chief Sales Officer,” explained the Chairman of the Krones Group Supervisory Board, Volker Kronseder.

“The Supervisory Board would like to express its sincere gratitude to Christoph Klenk for his outstanding contributions to the company over the past three decades, and in particular during his ten years as Chairman of the Executive Board. He has steered the company through challenging times with strategic foresight and determination, ensuring its stability. We wish him all the best for the future and are confident that he will remain closely connected to Krones.”

Commenting on Thomas Ricker’s appointment, Christoph Klenk said: “I highly value Thomas Ricker for his comprehensive knowledge of all group-wide structures and his ability to get things done. We have been working together in a close and constructive relationship on the Executive Board for many years. Both, internally and externally, Thomas Ricker has earned a high level of recognition in the market, amongst customers and partners, and amongst our employees. I welcome this appointment by the Supervisory Board and wish Thomas and the entire Krones team all the best and every success for the future.”

Executive Board Reorganisation

With the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and two further members of the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board has also approved a new Executive Board structure with corresponding resort responsibilities, to take effect from July 1, 2026.

In addition to the CEO role, Thomas Ricker will continue to serve as Chief Sales Officer (CSO) on the Executive Board, thereby ensuring continuity in the areas of market and customer focus. 

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position will continue to be held by Uta Anders. Her area of responsibility includes the core commercial functions as well as HR. In addition, she will take over Sustainability from July 1, 2026.

Markus Tischer has been appointed Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and will be responsible for the core functions of technology, innovation and digitalization, as well as for Machines and Lines for filling and packaging technology. His primary focus will be on the digital transformation of products, operational processes and business models. Markus Tischer’s contract has been extended by the Supervisory Board for further five years. He has been appointed until December 31, 2031.

Reinhold Jung is taking over the responsibility for International Operations and Services (IOS) from Markus Tischer. This resort includes the entire International Service Organisation of Krones. It forms a key part of the corporate strategy and ensures strong customer loyalty and differentiation in the market. Reinhold Jung has been with Krones since 1991 and previously held various management positions, both in Germany and abroad, most recently as Head of the Middle East and Africa region. He has been appointed until June 30, 2029.

Bülent Bayraktar is taking over responsibility for Process and System Solutions. This new resort combines Process Technology, Intralogistics and Advanced Molding Technology. The focus is on future growth opportunities and entering new markets. Bülent Bayraktar has been with Krones since 2018 and most recently headed the Process Technology area. He began his career in industrial engineering and subsequently held several management positions at an international industrial company. Bülent Bayraktar has also been appointed until June 30, 2029.

Under the new management structure, Ralf Goldbrunner will continue to lead the Operations resort until December 31, 2026, after which the unit will be transferred to the area responsible for Machines and Lines for filling and packaging technology, and will remain under his leadership. Ralf Goldbrunner will continue to build on the successful progress made in this key role.

New Framework Ensures Medium-term Targets 

The new management structure ensures the company’s competitiveness and future viability, as well as the sustainable achievement of its medium-term goals by 2028. Profitable growth, innovation and efficiency are the clear drivers through which Krones generates long-term value for its customers, shareholders and employees.

The Supervisory Board is confident in this reorganisation: “We are very much looking forward to working with the new Executive Board and wish everyone a successful start in their respective roles. A big thank you goes to Ralf Goldbrunner for his many years of successful service on the Executive Board. Today, the Operations area at Krones is internationally very well positioned. We also wish him all the best in his new role,” concludes Volker Kronseder.

The newly appointed CEO, Thomas Ricker, summarises his thoughts on the decisions taken as follows: “For 75 years, Krones has stood for business continuity, which must be maintained. I am very much looking forward to working together with the new Executive Board team, whose individual members I have held in high regard for many years and whose expertise I rely on. I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for the trust placed in me. My special thanks go to Christoph Klenk, who, during the last very challenging years, set the strategic course early on for the necessary strengthening of our competitiveness and future viability, thereby laying the foundations for the coming years. Together with our global employees and the entire Executive Board team, my first task is therefore to continue pursuing our growth and innovation strategy as a technology company, with a clear focus on profitability.”

https://www.krones.com/