Schaeffler has announced two significant leadership appointments ahead of its expected merger with Vitesco Technologies. Christophe Hannequin, currently CFO of JCB Group, will assume the role of CFO at Schaeffler by October 2025. He will replace Claus Bauer, who will continue to serve as CFO until 31 August 2025, according to a Reuters report.
In addition to the CFO transition, Schaeffler has appointed Thomas Stierle, from Vitesco Technologies, as the head of its new E-Mobility division. These leadership changes signal Schaeffler’s strategic focus on expanding its presence in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
The merger between Schaeffler and Vitesco Technologies, expected to take effect on 1 October, is part of Schaeffler’s broader plan to strengthen its capabilities in EV parts. Last November, both companies agreed to the merger, which aims to leverage synergies in the rapidly growing electric mobility sector.
Schaeffler CEO Klaus Rosenfeld has also indicated that job cuts may follow the merger. Speaking to German media, Rosenfeld explained that the company is aligning its resources to focus on the EV sector, a key area of growth for the automotive industry.
With these leadership changes, Schaeffler aims to streamline operations and strengthen its competitive edge in the e-mobility market, positioning itself for long-term success in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.