Generational change on the Supervisory Board: Progroup appoints three new members
“Having successfully completed the generational change on the Executive Board, we’re now also continuing to pursue this consistent approach with the Supervisory Board. With these three new members, we’re gaining people with an exceptional breadth of professional qualities who will support Progroup as it continues to pursue its path of growth with their experience in business, academic excellence and financial expertise,” says Maximilian Heindl, CEO of Progroup AG.
Dr. Harald Schwager has more than three decades of experience in managerial positions in the international chemical industry. In future, he will contribute his experience in the strategic development of international companies and industrial transformation to Progroup as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
Prof. Dr. Julia Arlinghaus is one of the most renowned academics in the field of production, automation and digitalisation. With her expertise in Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence and resilient production systems, she will provide important impetus to advance Progroup’s technological development.
Thomas Kölbl was Chief Financial Officer of Südzucker AG for many years. His wealth of experience in financial management, controlling and capital market issues will add an important financial perspective to the Progroup Board.
Progroup would like to thank the departing members for their outstanding commitment and dedication over many years. Rainer Dietmann oversaw the Supervisory Board as Chairman for many years and supported the company as it made key strategic decisions. Prof. Dr. Rudi Wimmer is also a long-standing member and one of the most distinguished experts in leadership and governance in family businesses in German-speaking countries. With all his knowledge and experience, he has contributed significantly to developing Progroup’s leadership structures as a family-run company.
The departure of company founder Jürgen Heindl is a special moment. He founded Progroup in 1991, led the company as CEO for three decades and developed it into one of Europe’s market leaders for corrugated sheetboard. As part of the generational change on the Executive Board, he moved to the Supervisory Board in 2022/2023. His departure represents the end of the company’s founder shaping its fortunes both operationally and at a Board level after more than 30 years.
“Our father made Progroup what it is today. His life’s work as an entrepreneur, his vision and his deep connection to the family business continue to shape our culture and our values,” says Vinzenz Heindl, second son of the family of entrepreneurs and CSO of Progroup AG.
As a person to link together the previous and new structures, Christian Buchel will remain on the Supervisory Board as a member and serve as Deputy Chairman. He brings with him a wealth of experience from operational management at a large European energy group and deep insights into the work of an association in the energy industry. This means he will safeguard continuity during the transition and closely oversee the strategic course that the company is set to follow.
