Managing director of manroland web systems, Eckhard Hoerner-Marass is moving on after steering the leading web press manufacturer into the black. Long term Heidelberger, Marcel Kissing, is also leaving the sheetfed press maker's board.
Significant changes to the line-up of the two leading German press manufacturers sees Uwe Lueders, CEO of Possehl, which bought manroland web systems, take direct charge of the company in a dual leadership role. Joern Gossé who takes over sales, service and marketing will assist him in running the company.
The departure of Eckhard Hoerner-Marass marks a significant stage in the rehabilitation of the company following the 2012 buyout. Over the past 18 months he has radically altered and downsized the company, posting a profit in the second quarter of 2013.
In another sign of the winds of change sweeping through the German press manufacturers, Marcel Kissing, one of the longest serving Heidelberg employees on the board of the largest sheetfed press maker, has left the company. Kissing worked with Heidelberg for 25 years, as a board member since 2010. In a press statement Heidelberg said he left by mutual agreement.
Harald Weimer, a 15-year Heidelberg veteran, will replace him. He is responsible for services and parts as well as consumables and remarketed equipment. His responsibilities also include the management of the global marketing and sales organization.
The board reshuffles come as the German press manufacturers continue to strive towards a new business model in a rapidly changing industry. Demand for offset presses will never return to the levels of pre-2008 and further realignment of the manufacturing and service sectors is inevitable.