The Supervisory Board of R. STAHL AG and Dr. Claus Bischoff, Chairman of the Management Board, have mutually agreed to end their cooperation as of 31 May 2026. Dr. Claus Bischoff has resigned from his office as member of the Management Board with immediate effect at his own request and for personal reasons. This leadership change at a key industrial supplier marks a significant transition for the company, which specializes in explosion protection products and systems.
Management Board member Tobias Popp will assume responsibility for the division previously managed by Dr. Bischoff until further notice. The Supervisory Board has already initiated steps for further succession planning. The departure of Dr. Bischoff comes at a time when R. STAHL is implementing its NEXUS future programme, a strategic initiative aimed at future-proof market positioning, portfolio alignment, structural development, and sustainable internationalization of the company.
The Supervisory Board thanks Dr. Bischoff for his great commitment to R. STAHL AG, in particular for the economic stabilisation of the company that has been initiated and for the development and launch of the NEXUS future programme for corporate development. With this programme, Dr. Bischoff has created a basis for the company's long-term growth and adaptation to changing market conditions. The NEXUS future programme will be continued by Management Board member Tobias Popp in continuous coordination with the Supervisory Board and further developed in view of rapidly changing framework conditions.
R. STAHL is one of the world's leading suppliers of electrical and electronic products and systems for explosion protection. These products and systems prevent explosions in hazardous areas and contribute to the safety of people, machines and the environment. The portfolio covers the portfolio segments Electrical, Automation as well as Lighting and is completed by the cross-divisional function Customer Solutions. Typical customers are the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, the oil & gas industry - including LNG applications - as well as the food and beverage industry. Most of the R. STAHL products are also approved for use with hydrogen. In 2025, global sales amounting to around EUR 313 million were generated by 1,659 employees.
The Supervisory Board regrets the departure of Dr. Bischoff and wishes him all the best and continued success for the future. The company's shares are traded on the Regulated Market/Prime Standard of Deutsche Boerse (ISIN DE000A1PHBB5). More information about R. STAHL can be found at www.r-stahl.com.
