Peter Gerstmann steps down from Zeppelin

The management of the Zeppelin Group: Fred Cordes, Alexandra Mebus, Matthias Benz and Christian Dummler (from left to right).

Peter Gerstmann has officially left his role as chairman of the Management Board and CEO of the Zeppelin Group, it has been announced.

Gerstmann, who has been with the Germany-based company for 24 years, left the role at the beginning of October and will be succeeded by Matthias Benz.

Benz has been a member of the Group Management Board since July 1, 2024.

Prior to joining the company he was the managing director of Raufoss Technology. 

Matthias Benz, chairman of the Group Management Board and CEO of the Zeppelin Group, said, “The past three months have been very informative, eventful and enriching for me. I had the opportunity to visit numerous national and international Zeppelin locations and not only develop a feel for the market and the diverse company portfolio, but above all get to know the backbone of this successful company: our committed and competent employees.

“The open and very appreciative exchange as well as the innovative impulses of our Zeppelin employees have deeply impressed me. From the very beginning, Peter Gerstmann has always stood shoulder to shoulder and trusted me by my side and was therefore the best sparring partner I could have imagined. I wish him all the best for his upcoming retirement and am very much looking forward to leading the Zeppelin Group into a successful future.”

Gerstmann, who will remain available to advise and support Benz and the Supervisory Board until the end of 2024, added, “It has been a great pleasure and honor for me to be a part of this great company for over 24 years. With a lot of heart and soul, commitment and passion, I have helped shape Zeppelin for almost 15 years in my role as Chairman of the Group Management Board and am very proud of what we have achieved together during this time.

“It is and will continue to be a challenging and highly interesting task to lead a traditional foundation company like Zeppelin through these turbulent times. I am certain that in Matthias Benz we have found an experienced and highly competent manager who will continue this success story.”

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