Ziehl-Abegg SE, the Künzelsau-based industrial company specializing in ventilation, control, and drive technology, has announced the appointment of Wolfgang Mayer as the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The decision, endorsed by the company’s Supervisory Board, is a pivotal addition to Ziehl-Abegg’s executive cadre, bringing in a seasoned professional from the realm of robotics. Wolfgang Mayer, a 50-year-old mechanical engineer, is set to assume his role as CTO in February 2024.
Ziehl-Abegg, from Künzelsau, Germany, is counted as one of the global leaders in ventilation, control, and drive technology. The company’s legacy dates back to the 1950s when it pioneered modern fan drives with external rotor motors, a technology still considered exceptionally innovative globally. Established in 1910 by Emil Ziehl, Ziehl-Abegg originated in Berlin as a manufacturer specializing in electric motors. Following World War II, the company shifted its headquarters to southern Germany.
Ziehl-Abegg SE stands out as a family-owned enterprise and is not publicly traded. In addition to its achievements in ventilation, Ziehl-Abegg is a critical player in electric motors, powering applications ranging from elevators to medical equipment like computer tomography devices and deep-sea underwater vehicles. Having an interest for “smart product architecture,” Wolfgang Mayer has demonstrated his expertise in aligning technological developments with contemporary industry needs. His engineering background and extensive experience in various capacities at Kuka since 1996 make him a valuable addition to the Ziehl-Abegg leadership team.
Wolfgang Mayer’s illustrious career includes Kuka Robotics, where he played a crucial part in internationalizing the company’s development activities. Mayer had also spearheaded the establishment and expansion of research and development departments in key global locations such as China, Hungary, Finland, and the USA. Mayer’s journey at Kuka Robotics began with diverse roles in application and software development. Over the years, he progressed to lead research and development in mechatronics, showcasing his prowess in marrying mechanical and electronic engineering principles. Since 2020, Mayer has held the position of CTO at Kuka Robotics, further solidifying his standing as a technology leader in the industry.
The 50-year-old executive, who is married and a father of four, brings a wealth of experience and a track record of successful international collaboration to his new role at Ziehl-Abegg. His appointment is expected to enhance the company’s technological initiatives and contribute to its vision of innovation and growth. The company, with an employee strength of 2,800 in its southern German production plants and a global workforce of 5,100 spread across 15 production facilities, 30 companies, and 117 sales locations, boasts an impressive track record of innovation. Ziehl-Abegg’s product portfolio, comprising around 30,000 items, reaches customers in over 100 countries, contributing to a robust turnover of 873 million euros. The addition of Wolfgang Mayer as CTO is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective and innovative zeal to Ziehl-Abegg’s technology endeavors, aligning with the company’s longstanding reputation in the industry.
