The Fair Friend Group (FFG) has named Bernd Hilgarth as Managing Director and Chief Sales Officer (CSO) of MAG IAS GmbH, effective August 1, 2025. In his new role, Mr Hilgarth will oversee the sales organization for both MAG IAS and the broader Fair Friend Group, reporting directly to the Group’s CEO, Dr. Sebastian Schöning.
This appointment reflects FFG’s commitment to advancing its global sales strategy as part of its ongoing organizational realignment. With over 30 years of experience in the machine tool industry, Mr Hilgarth’s career began at Boehringer Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH, followed by leadership roles at prominent companies in the sector. Most recently, he held a senior sales position at CHIRON Group for more than a decade.
Dr Sebastian Schöning commented, “We are pleased to welcome Bernd Hilgarth, whose combination of technical knowledge, deep market insights, and business acumen will significantly enhance our global market presence and customer-focused growth.”
As the new Managing Director and CSO, Mr Hilgarth will guide the sales operations of MAG IAS GmbH and FFG. MAG IAS GmbH, a key player within the Fair Friend Group, provides high-quality machine tools and machining centers for producing components like electric and combustion engines, crankcases, axles, and wheels for industries including aerospace, automotive, heavy-duty vehicles, and industrial manufacturing.
FFG unites the rich legacies of machine tool industries from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, the United States, China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan under one roof. The company’s portfolio includes renowned brands such as VDF Boehringer, CORCOM, DMC, Feeler, Hessapp, IMAS, Jobs, Leadwell, MAG, Meccanodora, Morara, Pfiffner, Rambaudi, Sachman, Sigma, SMS, SNK, Tacchella, and Witzig & Frank, which are synonymous with cutting-edge turning, milling, and grinding technology.
With a broad range of products from cost-effective standard models to high-end production systems and automation solutions, FFG is a leading supplier of metal-cutting machine tools. The company’s diverse offerings serve industries such as automotive, aerospace, machinery, and energy technology, supported by an extensive network of manufacturing, sales, and service centers worldwide.
