Christian Decker named new CEO of HEGLA Group

The HEGLA Group has completed a planned leadership transition, with the appointment of Christian Decker as its new CEO, succeeding Bernhard Hötger, who will retire after more than four decades with the company.

Bernhard said: “Not many people are lucky enough to be able to look back on such a long and fulfilling career in one company.

“It was therefore all the more important for me to initiate the transition well in advance and lay the groundwork at an early stage.

In recent years, the management structure has reportedly been gradually and carefully adapted, with Peter Herrmann, Dr Heinrich Ostendarp, Toni Schön (all HEGLA Beverungen), Thomas Schwabe (HEGLA Maintenance and Service), Marc-Alexander Stachel (HEGLA Fahrzeugbau) in Satteldorf, Kai Hösel (HEGLA Maschinenbau in Kretzschau), Dr Jan Schäpers and Jannes Holborn (HEGLA-HANIC in Bochum).

The Group grew in international markets, with further partner companies joining the group, such as: HEGLA-HANIC (software), HEGLA boraident (laser processing) and HEGLA RS technology, considerably expanding its expertise.

“I’m thankful that we were able to work together and turn a small trade business into a global ‘Hidden Champion’,” reflected Bernhard.

“With Christian Decker, we are continuing our development while ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition to the next generation.

“Christian Decker stands out for his longstanding links to the mechanical engineering industry as well as his extensive experience managing an international mechanical engineering company.

“He is familiar with mechanical engineering projects tailored to the individual customer as well as with the challenging requirements of one-off production. At the same time, HEGLA and the team will benefit from his new perspective.”

Bernhard will begin his retirement on 30 September 2026, with Christian having already assumed responsibility for the HEGLA Group.

Christian said: “I was given a warm welcome by the team at HEGLA and am looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and our customers.”

He joins Toni Schön (Chief Sales Officer), Peter Herrmann (Chief Operations Officer), Thomas Schwabe (Chief Maintenance and Services Officer) and Dr Heinrich Ostendarp (Chief Technology and Development Officer) as part of the now complete new generation of management at HEGLA.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks and deepest respect to Bernhard Hötger for the good, constructive and inspiring cooperation,” said Toni Schön on behalf of the entire HEGLA Group.

“The course is set, and we will continue on our journey as a market and technology leader,” emphasised Christian Decker.

For more information about HEGLA Group, visit: Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical engineering – HEGLA GmbH & Co. KG