Dr Dieter Kress already announced during his 75th birthday celebrations that he planned to gradually step down from the day-to-day business.
After 49 years as head of Mapal, Dr Kress withdrew from the executive board of the company with effect from 1st January 2018, handing over the reins to his son, Jochen: “Of course, I am and will remain closely attached to Mapal to provide any advice to my son that he may need,” he emphasised.
Dr Kress’ retirement from the Mapal executive board marks the end of an era, but through Jochen’s appointment, it remains a family business. Jochen was born in 1975 and studied machine engineering at the TU Dresden. Subsequent studies for an MBA at the Leipzig Commercial College were followed by his doctorate in 2007. He has extensive international experience, particularly in the USA and Asia and has been a member of the Mapal executive board since 2008.
“It was not easy for me to give up the responsibility for Mapal that I have borne for so long,” admitted Dieter, “but I know that the company is in good hands with my son. He has taken over more and more responsibilities in the last few years and has proved to be a very capable successor.”
“With Mapal, my father is handing his life’s work over to me after nearly 50 years,” Jochen explained, “and I’m very grateful for the faith he is placing in me. I am taking on my new duties with the greatest possible commitment and will continue to manage the company in my father’s spirit.”
Dr Dieter Kress’ life’s work can be expressed in figures: during his years of management, the company grew from a small regional producer of tap drills with 100 employees into an international group.
Today Mapal has more than 5,000 employees worldwide, around 1,800 of whom are located at the company’s headquarters in Aalen, Germany. Last year, sales exceeded €600 million. For his outstanding contributions and personal commitment, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Mapal www.mapal.com
