Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
GEA CEO Stefan Klebert to leave after next year's annual meeting
GEA CEO Stefan Klebert plans to step down after the company's annual meeting on April 28 next year.
The Düsseldorf-based industrial equipment maker said Klebert is leaving by choice and with the supervisory board's agreement.
Klaus Stojentin has been chosen as his successor; he currently leads a division that builds production plants for industries including food, drinks and dairy.
Klebert has led GEA since February 2019, and the company's share price has more than tripled during his time in charge.
Investors reacted negatively to the departure news, and GEA shares fell after recently reaching a record high.
GEA supplies machinery, process technology and services to the food, drinks and pharmaceutical industries, so the leadership change affects a large international business with more than 18,000 employees.
GEA Group CEO Stefan Klebert will leave his post after the company’s annual meeting on April 28 next year.
The company said Klebert is stepping down at his own request and in agreement with its supervisory board.
GEA has named Klaus Stojentin, head of a division that builds production plants, as Klebert’s successor.
Investors reacted negatively to the announcement, and GEA’s share price fell after recently reaching a record high.
GEA reported revenue of about €5.5 billion in 2025 and had more than 18,000 employees.
- Who
- Stefan Klebert, CEO of GEA Group, will leave; Klaus Stojentin has been named as his successor.
- What
- Klebert will step down as CEO after the company’s annual meeting.
- When
- After the annual meeting on April 28 next year.
- Where
- GEA made the announcement in Düsseldorf.
- Why
- Klebert is leaving at his own request and in agreement with the supervisory board.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Stefan Klebert has led GEA Group.
GEA shares were listed on Germany’s DAX index.
GEA announced that Klebert would leave after its next annual meeting and named Klaus Stojentin as his successor.
GEA is scheduled to hold its annual meeting, after which Klebert will leave his post.
- Departure date
- After the annual meeting on April 28 next year
- Successor
- Klaus Stojentin
- GEA workforce
- More than 18,000 employees
- GEA revenue
- About €5.5 billion in 2025
- GEA market value
- More than €11 billion