Dr. Klaus Endress, the enduring CEO and current President of the Supervisory Board of the Endress+Hauser Group, commemorates his 75th birthday. Having been at the helm for many years, Dr. Endress has played a pivotal role in steering the family-owned business towards global prominence. While it was announced earlier that he would conclude his active involvement by year-end, Dr. Endress will maintain his connection as a shareholder and Chairman of the Endress Family Council.
Born on December 9, 1948, as the second of eight children to company founder Dr. Georg H. Endress and Alice Endress, Klaus Endress’s journey reflects a rich legacy of dedication and leadership. After completing his studies in industrial engineering and gaining experience in the United States, he joined the family business in 1979. In 1995, he assumed the role of CEO, shaping the trajectory of the Endress+Hauser Group for almost two decades before transitioning to the Supervisory Board in 2014.
Dr. Klaus Endress’s tenure as CEO left an indelible mark on the company, with significant structural and cultural advancements. Under his leadership, sales and production were streamlined, uniform IT structures were introduced, and the business underwent internationalization with a commitment to regional production. These strategic moves became the pillars of the company’s successful development.
A defining aspect of Dr. Endress’s influence lies in his attention to corporate culture, with core values centered on responsibility and loyalty. He firmly believes that value-based corporate management is integral to sustained economic success. This ethos extends to the family, where a family charter outlines the relationship between the Endress family and the company, facilitating the smooth transition of younger generations into the business.
Beyond his corporate role, Dr. Klaus Endress actively engaged in public service, contributing to politics, education, culture, and business. He was associated with the liberal FDP party in Reinach for nearly three decades, representing the interests of the canton of Baselland on the University Council of the University of Basel from 2005 to 2018. His dedication earned him an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Economics in 2019, acknowledging his support for the development of the Basel region.
From 2008 to 2017, Dr. Endress chaired the WVIB, an industrial association of over 1,000 small and medium-sized companies in southwestern Germany. Recognizing his contributions, the Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg honored him as an honorary senator upon his retirement. He also received the German Federal Cross of Merit during his impactful career.
As Klaus Endress steps back from active involvement in the company at the end of the year, the family’s representation on the Supervisory Board will transition to Sandra Genge and Steven Endress, both third-generation members. Despite this shift, Dr. Klaus Endress will maintain a close association with the company as a shareholder and Chairman of the Family Council, anticipating more time with his family.
Away from boardrooms, the accomplished leader is an avid horse rider and mountain biker, finding solace in nature alongside the family dog, Maya. Dr. Klaus Endress’s remarkable journey exemplifies a legacy of leadership, innovation, and commitment, leaving an enduring impact on the Endress+Hauser Group’s legacy and shaping the future for generations to come.
