Ziehl-Abegg, a global leader in electric motor and fan manufacturing, has appointed Chief Operating Officer Joachim Ley as its new CEO, reaffirming its commitment to the company’s family-owned legacy. Dennis Ziehl, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, emphasized that the company will maintain its family business values despite global challenges.
Joachim Ley, who joined the company in 2021, has played a key role in driving global growth. With a background in industrial engineering, Ley has led operations including production, logistics, and procurement. Prior to Ziehl-Abegg, Ley held senior positions in the aviation industry. He is 47 years old, married with two children, and brings extensive experience to his new role.
The Supervisory Board, led by Dennis Ziehl, decided to entrust Ley with the leadership of the Executive Board, which will include Chief Technology Officer Wolfgang Mayer and a new Chief Financial Officer to be appointed soon.
Ziehl-Abegg expressed gratitude to outgoing CEO Dr. Marc Wucherer and CFO Olaf Kanig for their contributions. Dr. Wucherer’s strategic vision has been instrumental in positioning the company for future competitiveness, while Kanig’s leadership as CFO over the last five years has contributed to the company’s steady growth. Kanig will remain in his position until a successor is named.
Founded in 1910 by Emil Ziehl in Berlin, Ziehl-Abegg is known for its pioneering development of external rotor motors, now a global standard in fan technology. The company also manufactures electric motors for applications such as elevators, medical devices, and underwater vehicles.
Ziehl-Abegg employs 2,800 people across its production sites in southern Germany and a global workforce of 5,000. Its products are sold in over 100 countries, and the company recorded a turnover of €955 million in 2023. Despite its global reach, Ziehl-Abegg remains a privately held, family-owned enterprise, headquartered in Künzelsau, Germany.
