R. STAHL AG has initiated a planned leadership transition that will see Dr. Claus Bischoff join the Executive Board as Deputy CEO effective October 1, 2025, before assuming the role of CEO on January 1, 2026. This structured handover follows current CEO Dr. Mathias Hallmann's decision to step down from his position and leave the company at his own request at the end of 2025.
The transition represents a significant development for the global explosion protection technology sector, as R. STAHL maintains its position as one of the world's leading suppliers of electrical and electronic products and systems for hazardous areas. The company's products prevent explosions and contribute to safety across critical industries including chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and food and beverage sectors. With 2024 global sales of approximately €344 million and 1,743 employees, leadership stability is crucial for maintaining operational excellence and market confidence.
Dr. Bischoff brings extensive management experience from international companies in automotive, electronics, mechatronics, and automation technology sectors. His background includes serving as CTO at automation specialist Lenze SE and holding senior positions at Continental AG and Magna International AG. He began his career at Robert Bosch GmbH after studying mechatronics and automation, later serving as Managing Director and CTO at mechatronics specialist Marquardt GmbH.
Peter Leischner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized that the transition aligns with the consistent application of the company's adopted corporate strategy. He noted that Dr. Hallmann successfully repositioned R. STAHL over the past eight years, guiding the Group through various crises and establishing foundations for profitable growth. The company maintains comprehensive information about its operations and products available at https://www.r-stahl.com.
This leadership change matters because R. STAHL's products are essential for industrial safety worldwide, with most approved for use with hydrogen applications. The structured transition ensures continuity in strategic direction and operational management, minimizing disruption to the company's global customer base and maintaining confidence in its ability to deliver critical safety solutions. The appointment of an experienced technology leader like Dr. Bischoff signals the company's commitment to advancing digital business models and global structures while preserving its core mission of protecting people, machines, and the environment in hazardous working conditions.
