Dr. Daniel Schmitt will become the new CEO of Homag Group AG with effect from 1 Jan 2022. He will succeed Ralf W. Dieter, who is handing over both this role and his position as the CEO of the parent company Dürr at the end of 2021, following a successful career. Dr. Schmitt has been a member of Homag’s Board of Management since mid-2021. He is currently responsible, above all, for the solid-wood business of the world market leader in woodworking machinery. Prior to joining Homag, Dr. Schmitt, who holds a PhD in chemical engineering, oversaw the Dürr Group’s environmental technology segment.
Dr. Schmitt’s taking over as CEO is part of the long-term future planning for Homag. Ralf W. Dieter has held the position temporarily to reintroduce the advantages of a medium-sized company at Homag and build even closer customer relationships, while promoting the opportunity to invest heavily at the Homag sites to pave the way for sustainable growth. Meanwhile, Dr. Schmitt has been able to use this phase to gain a clear insight into Homag and establish contact with both customers and the workforce.
Dr. Daniel Schmitt stated: “The time I have spent with Ralf Dieter at the helm of Homag has given me a great head start. I have got to know Homag as a fascinating company with highly motivated employees, and I have had the opportunity for extensive dialogue with the customers. Due to reintroducing the advantages of a medium-sized company and the huge investments we have initiated, Homag is on course for sustained, profitable growth. Furthermore, we have strengthened our position in the solid-wood business through acquisitions and can thus benefit from the worldwide trend toward sustainable construction using wood. I look forward to working with all employees and will lead Homag as a team player.”
Gerhard Federer, supervisory board chairman of Homag Group AG, thanked Ralf W. Dieter for his dedication to the company: “Mr. Dieter has shown a high level of personal commitment, provided great direction, and brought a new energy to the company. We are seeing an upbeat mindset at Homag and a strong will to develop the company further. The agreed investments, an innovative product program, and the optimisation measures that have been implemented have paved the way for profitable growth. Dr. Daniel Schmitt is the right man at the helm to lead HOMAG forward on this path. Aside from his experience in top management, he is also a strong communicator, has a can-do approach and a passion for the task at hand.”
Back in spring, Homag announced an investment program of over €100 million. This is earmarked for the expansion and modernisation of the Schopfloch headquarters and other plants in Germany. In addition, Homag is building a new plant at the Polish site of Sroda. Extensive investments are also planned for China. In the medium term, Homag wants to increase its global market share from the current level of around 30% to around 40%.
Following the departure of Ralf W. Dieter, effective 31 Dec 2021, the Board of Management of Homag Group AG will consist of two members until further notice. Alongside Dr. Schmitt as the new CEO, Rainer Gausepohl will continue to work as CFO.
