SGL Group appoints Jürgen Köhler as CEO

Robert Koehler has represented and shaped the Company in this role for over 20 years, making him the longest-serving CEO among listed companies in the main German stock market indices. During this period, he played a key role in the Company’s foundation in 1992 and the spin-off of SGL Carbon from Hoechst AG by way of an IPO.

The change in SGL Group’s top management was prepared timely and by mutual consent within the relevant Supervisory Board and Board of Management committees and was resolved at meeting of the Supervisory Board and is characterized by a generation change in SGL Group’s top management.

Dr. Köhler (born in 1960) has been working for SGL Group in various management positions in the two Business Areas Performance Products and Carbon Fibers & Composites since 2002, and has been a full member of the Board of Management since June 1, 2013. Dr. Köhler, who has a PhD in process engineering, began his career in 1992 at Hoechst AG and worked there and at Celanese AG for more than ten years in total, of which he spent almost five years in the U.S. He is married and has three children. This decision stands for continuity and systematic implementation of the measures that have already been initiated to further develop the strategy and strengthen the profitability of SGL Group.

Susanne Klatten, Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of SGL Carbon SE: “Thanks to the timely preparation, we have succeeded in implementing the transition in SGL Carbon’s top management in close mutual agreement in the interests of all parties involved and above all in the interests of the Company.

"The new CEO Dr. Jürgen Köhler knows the Company very well and is already coordinating the implementation of the “SGL2015” cost savings program. This ensures that the already initiated strategic development of the Company will be implemented consistently. Robert Koehler’s age-related retirement marks the end of an era for SGL Group.

"He has been shaping the Company for over two decades. During this time he has turned it into one of the world’s leading technology companies. For this achievement he deserves all our thanks and respect. On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I wish him all the best for the future.”