Passing the baton: Festo names new management board chair

Festo appoints Thomas Böck, 52, to succeed Oliver Jung as head of the management board of the family-owned global automation company, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

The management board is the senior executive team charged with overseeing the worldwide operations of the company and strategic development.

Böck was most recently CEO and previously chief technology officer of family-owned Claas, a German-based global manufacturer of high-end agricultural machinery. As former chair of the management board at Claas Group, Böck brings with him a wealth of experience in implementing an international growth strategy in a high-tech environment. In addition, he was responsible for the company’s holistic digital transformation, from development to production and sales.

“I am very much looking forward to contributing my experience to Festo. Together with the Festo team, we will keep the value-oriented family-owned company on course for success and promote its further development,” said Böck.

The departing Oliver Jung, 61, has been successful at the helm of the family-owned company since November 2018. His track record includes the targeted expansion of Festo’s international footprint along the value chain, especially in North America, China and India. In this way, Jung greatly improved proximity to the customer as the basis of the future viability of Festo. The supervisory board and the owners expressed regret at Jung’s decision to leave the company. Under his leadership, the financial independence of Festo was further strengthened and its resilience increased. He merits utmost respect for his accomplishments, along with deep gratitude and best wishes for his new chapter in life.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved to date at Festo together with our employees. I wish Mr. Böck all the best for the ongoing development of the company. Personally, I will continue to feel closely connected to the Festo family in the future,” said Jung.