GEA extends Klebert’s CEO tenure and restructures

The GEA supervisory board has extended its CEO Stefan Klebert’s contract early through the end of 2028 and resolved to restructure the executive board as of 1 January 2026. The board will expand from three to six members.

Meanwhile, the global executive committee and the COO area will be dissolved, with a transition period during 2026. Three newly structured divisions will become dedicated executive board areas, while the key growth markets China and India will fall under the direct responsibility of the CEO.

As part of the reshuffle, Alexander Kocherscheidt is appointed to be chief financial officer. He will succeed Bernd Brinker, who will leave GEA effective 31 October 2025, by mutual consent. A new people and sustainability board area will combine HR, sustainability and legal. Dr. Nadine Sterley will assume responsibility for the new area, as well as the role of director of labour.

Kai Becker will assume executive board responsibility for the pure flow processing division. This restructured division will comprise the separation and flow technologies division and the components business of heating and refrigeration technologies. The heating and refrigeration technologies division currently headed by Becker will be dissolved as of 31 December. He has worked for GEA since 2004.

Klaus Stojentin will assume responsibility for the nutrition plant engineering division. This restructured division will combine the business of the liquid and powder technologies division with the heating and refrigeration solutions business of the heating and refrigeration technologies division. Stojentin joined GEA in 2003 and currently heads the separation and flow technologies division. 

Peter Lauwers will assume oversight for the pharma and food applications division, currently known as the food and healthcare technologies division; the division’s portfolio will remain unchanged.

Professor Dieter Kempf, chairman of the GEA supervisory board, said, “The supervisory board is delighted that Stefan Klebert has agreed to extend his term of office, thus continuing our successful and trust-based cooperation. He has been highly successful in driving the company’s transformation and securing GEA’s entry into the DAX. We are convinced that his strategic foresight and clear direction will guide GEA into its next phase of growth.”