Machinery and plant manufacturer Krones is restructuring its leadership, focusing on continuity and strategic development. With the appointment of Thomas Ricker as the new CEO, Krones is strengthening its position as a technology-driven company and consistently advancing its growth strategy.
Krones appoints Thomas Ricker as CEO
The Supervisory Board of Krones has appointed Thomas Ricker as the new Chairman of the Executive Board, effective June 11, 2026. He succeeds Christoph Klenk, who is stepping down early as part of a long-term succession plan. “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 Volker Kronseder, Chairman of the Krones Supervisory Board.
Christoph Klenk also supports the decision: “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.”
New Krones Executive Board Structure Strengthens Market and Technology Focus
The new appointment at the top is accompanied by a reorganization of the Executive Board at Krones. Starting July 1, 2026, the structure will be consistently aligned with customer focus, technology, and growth. In addition to his role as CEO, Thomas Ricker will continue to oversee sales. Uta Anders will retain her role as Chief Financial Officer and will additionally be responsible for sustainability. Markus Tischer will remain Chief Technology Officer, responsible for technology, innovation, and digitalization. His contract has been extended through the end of 2031.
Krones Expands Service and Process Expertise
The new structure particularly strengthens the international service organization and the further development of process technologies. The Executive Board will be expanded by two positions. Reinhold Jung will take over the International Operations and Services division and will thus be responsible for the global service organization. Bülent Bayraktar will head the Process and System Solutions division, which combines process technology, intralogistics, and new technologies. The goal is to tap into additional growth potential and develop new markets.
Clear Focus on Growth, Innovation, and Efficiency
With the appointment of Thomas Ricker and the new management structure, Krones is setting the course for the coming years. Profitable growth, technological innovation, and operational efficiency are at the heart of the corporate strategy. The new CEO, Thomas Ricker, emphasizes the company’s continuity and forward-looking orientation: “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.”
He adds: “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.”
