The Supervisory Board of Heidelberg has extended the contracts of Jürgen Otto, chief executive officer, and Dr. David Schmedding, executive board member for sales and technology, ahead of schedule, with new terms beginning on 1 July 2026.
The company said the decision supports continuity across its core print and packaging business and technology segment, where strategic options have been developed alongside adjustments to its direction.
Otto’s contract runs until 31 July 2029 and is limited by the age limit, while Schmedding’s contract runs until 30 June 2031.
Since the current executive board was appointed on 1 July 2024, Heidelberg said the management team has driven its strategic development, including repositioning the business from a print media company to a broader technology company. The company said this included “significant strategic course corrections” and developments across both print and packaging and the technology segment.
Dr. Martin Sonnenschein, chairman of the supervisory board, said, “The Supervisory Board is convinced of the strategic clarity, effectiveness, and passionate commitment of Jürgen Otto and Dr. David Schmedding. Since their appointment, the Executive Board has created financial leeway for Heidelberg, implemented strategic decisions, and increased the benefits for customers. The early contract extension is an expression of our confidence and a clear commitment to continuity and stability for employees and customers worldwide.”
Otto said, “The Supervisory Board’s confidence is both a confirmation and an incentive for me. In recent years, we have strategically repositioned Heidelberg and taken important steps toward becoming a diversified high-tech company that better leverages its potential for existing and new customers. We will continue on this path with consistency, speed, and a clear focus on results.”
Schmedding added, “We have further developed Heidelberg in terms of technology and market orientation and laid the foundation for future growth. I look forward to working with the Executive Board team and our employees to further increase customer value and expand our technological strength.”