Germany: Jürgen Geissinger joins Senvion as CEO

Jürgen Geissinger has joined Senvion, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of onshore and offshore wind turbines, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on 17 December 2015. Geissinger, one of Germany’s foremost business leaders, has a long track record in leading and expanding technology-based engineering businesses, and previously spent 15 years at the helm of Schaeffler, the German technology provider to the automotive and industrial sectors, growing revenues from EUR 2 billion in 1998 to around EUR 12 billion in 2013.

Geissinger started his career at the highly regarded Fraunhofer Institute of Production Technology and Automation, where he also obtained his PhD. From there he joined Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, before holding leading positions at ITT, an international industrial company. He was appointed CEO of Schaeffler in 1998, where he played a key role in defining and executing the firm’s growth strategy, including its highly successful expansion in emerging markets along with key acquisitions. After his departure from Schaeffler, he continued to advise a number of German and international industrial companies, and remains active on the boards of MTU Aero Engines and Sandvik, among others.

Stefan E. Kowski, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Senvion, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jürgen Geissinger to Senvion as CEO. He has the proven capabilities required to drive exceptional business growth by creating strategic clarity, driving innovation and quality, while ensuring disciplined execution globally. We believe that his experience combined with his passion for technology will help ensure that Senvion continues to be an innovation leader and will expand its presence in our existing and several new markets. We thank Andreas Nauen for all his efforts at Senvion, leading the business through a period of change and transition. We are also grateful that Andreas will stay involved on our Advisory Board and that the company will continue to benefit from his experience and know-how.”

Jürgen Geissinger said: “I am very pleased to accept the role of CEO of Senvion. Senvion is a technology pioneer and key player in an industry showing strong global growth and I am delighted to be able to contribute my experience to expand and develop the company further. The business is well-positioned to tap into new opportunities and I am confident that we have the drive and resources to be highly competitive. I look forward to working with the entire Senvion team as we embark on this exciting journey.”

Andreas Nauen said: “Having led the company for the last five years I am delighted to hand over to Jürgen Geissinger. Senvion is now ready for another great leap forward and I am very pleased to continue to support the company from the Advisory Board going forward.”

Earlier in 2015 Senvion was acquired by investment firms Centerbridge Partners and Arpwood Partners and has since successfully embarked on a transformation plan that includes increased investment into research and development for product development, and further global expansion. As part of the growth and internationalization plans, Centerbridge is considering options that could possibly also include capital market transactions for Senvion within the next years. The first results of these investments include the accelerated launch of the highest yield onshore wind turbine for low-wind locations, the Senvion 3.4M140.