Robert Bosch GmbH has announced changes to its Board of Management, with Dr Stefan Hartung stepping down as Chairman effective June 30, 2026, at his own request and in agreement with the company’s shareholders. Dr Christian Fischer will succeed Hartung as Chairman of the Board of Management from July 1, 2026.
As part of the leadership transition, Dr Markus Forschner and Dr Markus Heyn will be appointed deputy chairmen of the Bosch Board of Management, strengthening continuity and supporting the company’s strategic transformation.
During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer, Dr Hartung played a key role in advancing Bosch’s growth strategy, innovation agenda and long-term competitiveness. Leading the company through a period of significant market challenges, Hartung focused on strengthening Bosch’s future-oriented businesses and expanding its ability to respond to technological and industrial change.
Dr Hartung joined the Bosch Board of Management in 2013 and became Chairman on January 1, 2022. Holding a doctorate in mechanical engineering, he began his career with Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich in 2004 after earlier professional experience including work with the Fraunhofer Society.
Prof Stefan Asenkerschbaumer, managing partner of Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Robert Bosch GmbH, thanked Hartung for his leadership and contribution to the company’s development. He said Dr Hartung had guided Bosch through an exceptionally challenging period while maintaining a focus on innovation, growth and competitiveness.
Dr Christian Fischer, 58, will take over as Chairman after serving as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management and limited partner of Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG. In recent years, Dr Fischer has been responsible for the Consumer Goods business sector, strategic growth initiatives, portfolio development and senior leadership advancement.
Under Dr Fischer’s leadership, Bosch expanded its portfolio through major strategic investments, including the acquisition of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning business from Johnson Controls and Hitachi, the largest acquisition in Bosch’s history. Dr Fischer holds a doctorate in economics and began his career at Bosch in 1996 as a trainee. Before returning to Bosch and joining the Board of Management in 2018, he held senior positions outside the company, including leading Smartrac, where he helped transform the RFID technology company into a global market leader.
Dr Markus Forschner, 59, who has served as Bosch Chief Financial Officer since 2022, will continue to focus on financial strength, investment discipline and the execution of the company’s transformation initiatives. Dr Forschner joined Bosch in 1996 and holds a doctorate from Stuttgart University’s Institute for Research and Development Management.
Dr Markus Heyn, 61, Chairman of Bosch’s Mobility business sector since 2022, will bring his expertise in engineering, technology and global mobility markets to the company’s senior leadership. A Bosch executive since 1999 and Board member since 2015, Dr Heyn has led the transformation of the Mobility division to address future industry demands.
Founded in 1886 by Robert Bosch, Bosch remains committed to its vision of creating technology that is “Invented for life.” Through sustained innovation and strategic investments, the company aims to enhance quality of life while advancing sustainable and intelligent solutions worldwide.
