ZF appoints Miedreich as CEO after Klein and Laier exit board

In a significant corporate reshuffle, ZF Friedrichshafen, widely recognized as ZF Group, has announced the appointment of Mathias Miedreich as the new chief executive officer (CEO), effective from October 1. This change comes at a pivotal moment for the company, as both the current CEO Holger Klein and board member Peter Laier will be stepping down.

These strategic alterations were sanctioned during a special supervisory board meeting held on September 11. Holger Klein, who ascended to the CEO role in January 2023 after nearly a decade in various management capacities within ZF, will depart by mutual consent at the end of this month. Additionally, Laier, who joined the board earlier this year and was responsible for overseeing multiple divisions, including commercial vehicle solutions and industrial technology, will also exit on September 30.

Leadership Transition at ZF Group

The supervisory board chairman, Rolf Breidenbach, acknowledged the contributions of Klein, highlighting his role in stabilizing ZF and establishing a foundation for a potential turnaround. Breidenbach stated, “With his strategy, he laid the foundations for ZF’s turnaround and has already achieved significant success with the entire team. We must now build on what’s been achieved and continue with the strategy we’ve embarked upon.”

This transition reflects a broader strategy within ZF Group to adapt to the evolving automotive industry, particularly in the realms of electrification and sustainable mobility. Miedreich, who has been part of ZF’s board of management since January 2025, is regarded as a suitable internal successor with proven CEO experience and a history of effective restructuring.

Mathias Miedreich: A Brief Biography

Mathias Miedreich brings with him a wealth of experience from various leadership roles across the automotive and technology sectors. Prior to his tenure at ZF Group, he served as CEO of Umicore for nearly three years, where he honed his skills in managing complex organizational structures and strategic initiatives.

His professional journey includes significant positions at:

• Faurecia: Executive Vice President of e-mobility and Vice President of e-mobility for Asia and Europe.
• Siemens: Contributing to various manufacturing innovations.
• Continental: Gaining valuable insights into automotive technology development.

With Miedreich’s extensive background, he is expected to lead ZF through its next phase of growth, particularly focusing on the electrified powertrain technology division, which he currently heads.

Future Leadership Changes Within ZF

While Miedreich steps into his new role, ZF Group has indicated that it will announce successors for key divisions, including:

• Electrified powertrain technology
• Commercial vehicle solutions
• Industrial technology

This strategic move is crucial as the automotive industry increasingly shifts towards electrification and advanced technologies. The management changes at ZF reflect an intent to maintain momentum in innovation and operational excellence.

The Role of ZF in the Automotive Industry

ZF Group is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology. The company plays an essential role in the automotive value chain, supplying advanced technologies to automakers worldwide. With an emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and efficiency, ZF is committed to shaping the future of mobility.

The company focuses on several key areas:

• Electrification: Developing solutions for electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Autonomous Driving: Innovating technologies that support self-driving capabilities.
• Connected Mobility: Enhancing the interconnectivity of vehicles through advanced software solutions.

As the automotive landscape evolves, ZF's commitment to these areas will be vital in maintaining its competitive edge and driving the industry forward.

Understanding ZF’s Corporate Structure

ZF Group operates with a comprehensive corporate structure designed to foster innovation and efficiency. The board of management, led by Miedreich, is supported by various divisions that focus on specialized areas within the automotive sector. This structure allows ZF to respond swiftly to market changes and technological advancements.

Key components of ZF's corporate structure include:

• **Supervisory Board:** Provides oversight and strategic direction.
• **Board of Management:** Responsible for day-to-day operations and decision-making.
• **Divisional Leadership:** Each division focuses on specific technologies or markets to enhance expertise and innovation.

ZF Group and Its Affiliations

One common question regarding ZF Group is its ownership structure and affiliations. Notably, ZF is not owned by Bosch, although both companies are major players in the automotive technology sector. ZF operates independently and collaborates with various partners to innovate and supply advanced automotive solutions.

Additionally, ZF maintains strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements.

The Future of ZF Group

As Mathias Miedreich takes the helm as CEO, ZF Group is poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the automotive industry. With a clear focus on electrification, innovation, and sustainability, the company is set to reinforce its position as a leader in mobility solutions.

By building on the groundwork laid by his predecessors, Miedreich aims to drive ZF into a new era, ensuring the company not only meets current market demands but also anticipates future trends and challenges.

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