Back

Changes in VAT's Top-Management

Based on the critical importance of the VAT Motion projects for the company’s future success and following a careful review, the Board of Directors in close cooperation with CEO Dr. Reto Loepfe have decided to make changes in order to strengthen the executive leadership of the company.

As of June 1st, 2015, Heinz Kundert, a current member of the VAT Holding Board of Directors, will assume responsibility as CEO from Dr. Reto Loepfe. According to Daniel Flaig, Capvis’ representative on the VAT board, “we are pleased that we could win Heinz Kundert over for this important role. He has over twenty years of experience leading high tech companies in the vacuum and coating industries, including Balzers & Leybold, and Unaxis. In addition to his deep sales and marketing experience in Asia, Heinz has a profound understanding of VAT’s key markets through his role as Vize President of SEMI International, USA and as president of SEMI-Europe.” In addition to his CEO responsibilities, Heinz will lead the regional sales organizations and Product Management.

As of July 1st, 2015, Heinz Kundert will be supported by Kurt Trippacher, who will assume the role of COO. Fredy Gantner, VAT board member from Partners Group, notes that “this appointment will further strengthen the senior executive leadership of VAT. Kurt Trippacher brings deep expertise in the areas of Operations, Logistics and Global Supply, accumulated through successful roles at Landis & Gyr, ABB and Unaxis/OC Oerlikon.” Egon Hämmerle will continue to be responsible for production in Switzerland and Malaysia, supply chain as well as global sourcing, process engineering and Sysmec, and will report to Kurt Trippacher.

The board is convinced that with the appointment of Heinz Kundert, Kurt Trippacher and the recently engaged CFO Andreas Leutenegger, VAT has an optimal leadership structure to successfully master the challenges in front of us and realize market opportunities. The board counts on the continued support of employees and managers for these new leaders in order to build on the good work which has been done and to accelerate progress towards realizing VAT’s potential.

Dr. Reto Loepfe will leave VAT. The Board of Directors thanks him for his tireless efforts in the interest of VAT and his loyalty to the company. We wish him good luck with his personal and professional endeavors.
​

Dr. Horst Heidsieck
Chairman of the Board of Directors
VAT Holding AG