ZF Announces Leadership Changes: Mathias Miedreich Takes Over as CEO, Dr. Holger Klein and Prof. Dr. Peter Laier Step Down

ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a leading global automotive technology company, has announced significant leadership changes. Dr. Holger Klein has stepped down as CEO, and Prof. Dr. Peter Laier has left the Board of Management due to differing views on the company's future strategic direction. Mathias Miedreich, currently head of the Electrified Powertrain Technology division, will take over as the new CEO, effective September 30, 2025. Dr. Klein, who has been with the company for over 10 years, including nearly three years as CEO, has laid the foundation for ZF's turnaround and achieved significant success with the team. Miedreich, with his experience in the industry and decisive leadership, will lead the company forward.

Key Takeaways:

Dr. Holger Klein, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, has stepped down, citing the need for implementation decisions and handing over the chairmanship.
Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Board Member responsible for Commercial Vehicle Solutions, Industrial Technology, Materials Management, Production, and the India Region, has left the Board due to differing views on the company's future strategic direction.
Mathias Miedreich, currently head of the Electrified Powertrain Technology division, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Management.
The Supervisory Board and Board Member Prof. Dr. Peter Laier have mutually agreed to terminate his position as a member of the Board of Management as of September 30, 2025.
Dr. Klein has been with the company for over 10 years, including nearly three years as CEO, and has laid the foundation for ZF's turnaround and achieved significant success with the team.
Miedreich has been a member of the Board of Management since January 2025 and has advanced the restructuring of Division E since joining the ZF Board of Management.
The company will provide information on the succession of the Board positions for the Electrified Powertrain Technology division and for the Commercial Vehicle Solutions and Industrial Technology divisions in due course.

Statistics:

Dr. Holger Klein has been with the company for over 10 years, including nearly three years as CEO.
Mathias Miedreich has been a member of the Board of Management since January 2025.
Prof. Dr. Peter Laier has been a member of the Board of Management since January 2023.
Dr. Klein has laid the foundation for ZF's turnaround and achieved significant success with the team.
The company will provide information on the succession of the Board positions for the Electrified Powertrain Technology division and for the Commercial Vehicle Solutions and Industrial Technology divisions in due course.

Sources:

ZF Friedrichshafen AG