Stefan Brandl appointed new CEO of SCHOTT - Dr. Torsten Derr to step down for personal reasons
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Germany, Mainz
- Dr. Torsten Derr to step down from the Management Board effective October 31, 2026
- Stefan Brandl appointed Chief Executive Officer of SCHOTT AG effective November 1, 2026
"Together, we achieved a lot for SCHOTT, and introduced important changes that will strengthen the company's future," said Dr. Torsten Derr. "A key element of this transformation has been to give our business units greater responsibility and entrepreneurial freedom. I am convinced that our ~ 18,000 colleagues will continue this successful journey."
The Supervisory Board of SCHOTT AG has approved the early termination of Dr. Torsten Derr's appointment. Dr. Michael Bolle, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of SCHOTT AG, commented:
"We respect Dr. Torsten Derr's personal decision. On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank him for his outstanding commitment and for the important contributions he has made to SCHOTT. Under his leadership, decisive strategic foundations were laid for the company's future development. We wish him all the best for both his personal and professional future."
Dr. Torsten Derr added: "I would like to thank all employees for their collaboration and their extraordinary commitment. I wish the entire SCHOTT family continued success. My personal farewell message reflects our company strategy: Focus on what truly matters."
Stefan Brandl appointed Chief Executive Officer
As part of the succession process, the Supervisory Board of SCHOTT AG has appointed Stefan Brandl as the company's new Chief Executive Officer. He will assume the role on November 1, 2026.
Stefan Brandl (58) has been Vice Chairman and CEO of the Dräxlmaier Group - a German automotive supplier - since 2021. Prior to this role, he served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ebm-papst Group - a manufacturer of electric motors and fans - from 2017 to 2021.
With the appointment of Stefan Brandl, SCHOTT combines deep knowledge of the company with extensive international CEO experience. His many years of service on the Supervisory Board of SCHOTT AG, together with his leadership of globally operating companies, provide a strong foundation for the company's future development.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Michael Bolle, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of SCHOTT AG, said: "Through his work on the Supervisory Board, Stefan Brandl has developed a deep understanding of SCHOTT, its strategy, and its unique responsibilities as a foundation-owned company. At the same time, he brings extensive international leadership experience. In my view, these are ideal qualifications for the role of CEO and a strong basis for the continued successful development of SCHOTT."
Stefan Brandl said: "SCHOTT is an exceptional company with outstanding technological capabilities, an impressive global presence, and, above all, highly dedicated employees. I am honored to assume the responsibility of Chief Executive Officer and look forward to continuing SCHOTT's successful development together with the Management Board, our leaders, and our employees.
My focus will be on further strengthening SCHOTT's international competitiveness, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, and ensuring that we seize the opportunities of the years ahead together as an organization."
About SCHOTT
International technology group SCHOTT produces high-quality components and advanced materials, including specialty glass, glass-ceramics, and polymers. Many SCHOTT products have high-tech applications that push technological boundaries, such as waveguides for augmented reality smart glasses, glass-ceramic mirror substrates in the world's largest telescopes, and laser glass in nuclear fusion research. With a pioneering spirit, SCHOTT’s 17,400 employees in over 30 countries work as partners across industries such as healthcare, home appliances, consumer electronics, semiconductors, optics, astronomy, energy, and aerospace. In fiscal year 2025, SCHOTT generated sales of EUR 2.83bn and an EBIT of EUR 230m. Founded in 1884 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, SCHOTT is owned by the Carl Zeiss Foundation. As a foundation-owned company, SCHOTT pursues long-term innovation and conducts its business with a strong sense of social responsibility, reinvesting its success into the advancement of science and society. Learn more at SCHOTT.com