The Board of Directors of SKAN Group AG has proposed Dr. Christian Schlogel as a new member for election at the company's Annual General Meeting on May 7, 2026. This nomination follows the decision of Patrick Schar not to stand for re-election after serving for 16 years. The move is strategically significant for SKAN, a market leader in aseptic manufacturing processes for the pharmaceutical industry, as it intensifies its focus on software, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Christian Schlogel, a German citizen born in 1964, brings three decades of leadership experience in global technology, software, and industrial companies. His expertise is expected to be pivotal as SKAN expands its offerings. From 2018 to 2025, he served as Group Chief Digital Officer and a member of the Executive Board of Korber AG, where he led the digital transformation for approximately 14,000 employees. Prior to that, from 2014 to 2018, he was Group Chief Technology & Digital Officer at KUKA AG, an international automation and robotics group with around 15,000 employees. He began his career at SAP AG and holds a degree in computer science from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and a doctorate in business administration from the University of Passau.
Beat Lüthi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SKAN Group, emphasized the strategic importance of this nomination. "SKAN expands its offering to include software and digital integration services, for which we acquired a majority stake in Metronik last year. In parallel, we are driving forward the digital transformation of the company and our services," Lüthi stated. He added that Schlogel's expertise can significantly support these initiatives, which are core elements of the strategy for future sales and margin growth. The company's focus on digital integration aligns with broader industry trends toward automation and data-driven processes in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The departure of Patrick Schar marks the end of a significant tenure. Lüthi acknowledged Schar's contributions, noting his 16 years on the Board and his role as a financial expert in the development of the SKAN Group. Schar's decision not to seek re-election was attributed to professional reasons. The transition occurs as SKAN, founded in 1968 and employing close to 1700 people globally, positions itself for future growth. The company is a pioneer in aseptic and aseptic-toxic manufacturing processes, providing high-quality isolator systems for filling drugs under strict sterility standards, along with process support, services, and consumables.
This board nomination underscores a critical shift in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, where digital transformation is becoming increasingly essential for efficiency and innovation. For stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), and research laboratories, SKAN's enhanced digital capabilities could lead to more integrated and advanced manufacturing solutions. The company's strategic direction, detailed in its financial calendar including the publication of annual results on March 24, 2026, reflects a commitment to maintaining its market leadership through technological advancement. More information can be found on the company's website at https://www.skan.com.
