Generation change
Gerd Liebig leaves the Sumitomo management board
After 35 years in the injection molding machine industry, Gerd Liebig will complete the planned generational transition in the management of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag from September 1, 2024.
In the nine years that Gerd Liebig was Managing Director, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag developed into the global market leader for all-electric machines with a strong industry focus. "I am very grateful for the high level of support, respect and trust that I have always felt from the owners, my team and the employees. I am particularly pleased that strong relationships and even friendships have developed as a result," says Gerd Liebig.
Liebig's 35 years in the industry were characterized by major changes in the market, applications, products and competition. "It is now time to pass the baton to the younger generation and step down from operational responsibility at SDG," said the outgoing CEO. "We assume that changes will accelerate even more. In addition to great experience, this will require the future management team to be extremely flexible and strongly committed to the market and customers."
According to the company, the management team of the future will be formed from within the company's own ranks after intensive, also external, support. In addition to Liebig, Christian Maget currently holds the position of CFO and Takaaki Kaneko the position of COO. The new management team will be announced in the course of the summer.
"Anyone who knows me knows that I am not going into retirement mode with this decision - rather, I will continue to do everything that gives me great pleasure. My commitment to combating climate change and to the energy transition is paramount," said Liebig. "I won't be retiring completely from the plastics industry, which has played an important role for more than half of my life and which I was also able to help shape to some extent. Rather, I will remain a part of Sumitomo and will continue to contribute to the Group to a limited extent and without operational responsibility."
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