Centrotherm International AG has announced the resignation of two supervisory board members, Hans-Hasso Kersten and Dr. Xinan Jia, effective December 17, 2025, following changes to the company's shareholder structure. The resignations mark a significant shift in governance for the thermal production solutions provider as it navigates new ownership dynamics.
The company's management board will immediately apply to the Ulm Local Court for the appointment of two new supervisory board members, with replacements expected to be appointed in January 2026. This governance transition is directly linked to the new main shareholder, which is controlled by the Ardian Semiconductor fund, that will be represented by two members on the supervisory board moving forward. The company's website at https://www.centrotherm.de provides information about its operations and technologies.
Robert M. Hartung, who remains as chairman of the supervisory board, acknowledged the contributions of the departing members. "On behalf of the Supervisory Board and the Management Board, I would like to thank the two departing members for their valuable cooperation over the past years," Hartung stated. "Both have made a significant contribution to supporting the Management Board with their expertise in the realignment of the company."
The resignations carry implications for centrotherm's strategic direction, particularly as the company operates in growth sectors including semiconductors, microelectronics, photovoltaics, and emerging fields such as fiber and battery production. Dr. Xinan Jia had been associated with centrotherm since 2006 and held various management positions in Asia before joining the supervisory board in 2018, bringing valuable regional expertise. Hans-Hasso Kersten, who served as deputy chairman and chairman of the audit committee, had been with the company since early 2014, providing financial oversight during the company's development phase.
This governance change matters because centrotherm represents a significant player in thermal production solutions and coating technologies with more than 70 years of industry experience and over 700 employees worldwide. The company's focus on GREEN, SMART, and EFFICIENT solutions positions it at the intersection of multiple critical technology sectors. The original release can be viewed at https://www.newmediawire.com, though the company's primary information remains available through its official channels.
The transition to Ardian Semiconductor fund representation on the supervisory board suggests potential strategic realignment in how centrotherm approaches its core markets. As a globally active technology group that works closely with industry and research partners, governance stability is crucial for maintaining competitive advantages for customers. The company's involvement in semiconductor manufacturing—a sector experiencing global supply chain challenges and strategic importance—makes these board changes particularly noteworthy for industry observers and stakeholders.
With the German Securities Identification Numbers DE000A1TNMM9 for bearer shares and DE000A1TNMN7 for unlisted shares, centrotherm's governance changes may influence investor confidence as the company continues developing production concepts for its international customer base. The timing of these changes, coming just before the new year, allows for a fresh start in 2026 with the new shareholder structure fully represented at the supervisory level.
