Personnel
Ralph Lehleuter becomes Chairman of the VDMA Executive Board Automated Solutions
Ralph Lehleuter, Managing Partner of the Mafu Group, is the new Chairman of the VDMA Automated Solutions Division. "Despite the current economic challenges, massive global competition and customs uncertainty, we remain optimistic. As the Automated Solutions industry sector, we focus on innovation and technological expertise. We are particularly focused on artificial intelligence: we want to make this technology tangible and ready for use for our member companies - as a booster for efficiency and productivity. At the same time, we see the field of defense as an opportunity to use the technological capabilities of our member companies to strengthen national security.
Confidence is essential, especially in these challenging times. Together with the entire Executive Board, I will pursue the goal of sustainably strengthening the competitiveness of our industry and providing our member companies with clear recommendations for action with full conviction and commitment. I am looking forward to the task of advancing the Automated Solutions division of the VDMA as Chairman of the Board," says Ralph Lehleuter about his new role.
With his appointment by the Automated Solutions Board, Ralph Lehleuter succeeds Jörg Kipper (Managing Director Festo Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG), who is retiring. At the VDMA European Robotics and Automation Summit in Bologna in October 2025, Jörg Kipper was honored for his many years of intensive commitment to the board of the trade association and the specialist department.
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