Generational change at ebm-papst

Gerhard Sturm

Ralf Sturm

Ralf and Gerhard Sturm

Gerhard Sturm (82), founder and co-partner of the ebm-papst Group, will hand over his mandate on the company's advisory board of the ebm-papst Group to his son Ralf Sturm on August 1, 2017.

"After over 65 years in active professional life, I have decided to initiate the generational change. ebm-papst is excellently positioned as a technology and global market leader and is prepared for the future. I am pleased that my son Ralf will take over the advisory mandate of the Sturm family in the future," said Gerhard Sturm.

In 1963, Gerhard Sturm, together with his paternal friend and mentor Heinz Ziehl, founded the current ebm-papst Group (14,400 employees / €1.9 billion in revenue). He led it as managing partner until his departure from operational business in 2007.

Thomas Fischer, Chairman of the ebm-papst Advisory Board: "Gerhard Sturm is one of the pioneers in the field of fan technology and is an outstanding entrepreneur. Over five decades, Mr. Sturm led the ebm-papst Group from a small operation with initially 35 employees to a worldwide market and technology leader. On behalf of the advisory board, management, works council, and all employees, we sincerely thank Mr. Sturm for his life's work. We will preserve and continue this legacy in the spirit of his values of 'Efficiency,' 'Enthusiasm,' and 'Humanity.'"

Ralf Sturm (47), head of Human Resources at ebm-papst since 2009, joins the seven-member advisory board, which also includes shareholders Silke Ziehl and Jan Philippiak. As honorary chairman of the advisory board, Gerhard Sturm remains connected to the family business based in Mulfingen, Baden-Württemberg.