Gurit Holding AG has announced the appointment of Viktor Bernhardt as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective December 1, 2025. The German national will succeed Javier Perez-Freije, whose departure was previously scheduled for the end of November 2025. This leadership transition comes at a critical time for the advanced composites manufacturer as it navigates global market dynamics.
Bernhardt brings more than 25 years of international finance and leadership experience to Gurit, having held senior positions across multinational corporations, private equity portfolio companies, and family-owned businesses. His extensive background in corporate transformation, restructuring, merger and acquisition execution, and strategic growth positions him to significantly impact Gurit's financial direction. The company expressed confidence that Bernhardt's financial management expertise will be instrumental in guiding Gurit through its next phase of development.
The appointment is particularly significant given Gurit's position as a specialized manufacturer of advanced composite materials, composite tooling equipment, and core kitting services. With operations spanning Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Ecuador, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the company requires sophisticated financial leadership to manage its global footprint. Bernhardt's international experience aligns well with Gurit's multinational operations and supply chain complexities.
Bernhardt's educational background includes a degree in Business Administration from TA Wuppertal in Germany and executive education completed at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. His most recent position was as CFO of the KWC Group, where he presumably honed the skills necessary for leading financial operations in a manufacturing environment similar to Gurit's specialized industrial focus.
In his statement regarding the appointment, Bernhardt expressed enthusiasm about joining Gurit, noting his anticipation of collaborating with the team to drive strong financial performance and contribute meaningfully to the company's long-term success. His comments suggest a focus on sustainable growth rather than short-term financial metrics, which aligns with the long-term nature of Gurit's business in advanced composite materials.
Gurit CEO Tobias Luhrig acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CFO Javier Perez-Freije while welcoming Bernhardt to the executive team. Luhrig emphasized the pivotal nature of the CFO role at Gurit, indicating the importance of financial leadership in achieving the company's strategic objectives. This transition occurs as Gurit continues to supply global growth markets including the wind turbine industry, marine applications, and building sectors—all areas experiencing significant technological evolution and market expansion.
The financial leadership change at Gurit matters because the company operates in industries where long-term investment decisions and strategic financial management directly impact technological advancement and sustainability outcomes. As manufacturers increasingly turn to advanced composite materials for lighter, stronger, and more efficient products, Gurit's financial stability and strategic direction under new leadership could influence broader industry trends. The appointment signals Gurit's commitment to maintaining strong financial governance as it navigates the complex global supply chains and technological demands of the composite materials market. Additional information about the company can be found at https://www.gurit.com.
