Kistler Group Announces Operational Leadership Changes

Kistler Group’s long-standing CTO, Marc Schaad, will take over operational management, effective January 1. Schaad succeeds Rolf Sonderegger, who served as the group CEO for 22 years. 
 
Under Sonderegger’s leadership, Kistler has evolved from a component manufacturer into a leading global provider of complete measurement technology solutions for highly dynamic applications.
 
“As the years have gone by, we have worked together to surmount half a dozen crises, overcome various setbacks, and celebrate some extraordinary successes. Growth has been the keynote in 19 out of the last 22 financial years – years that have been magnificent and thrilling, but always challenging. However, there is a time for everything, so I will be stepping down as CEO at the end of 2024,” Sonderegger said.
 
In his current role, Schaad has played a crucial part in the Kistler Group’s ongoing development. He has been responsible for research and development and has headed a business unit. At the beginning of 2024, he added strategic product management to his remit. 
 
Schaad commented, “Kistler’s DNA and values remain unchanged: a family-run company with a long-term strategic vision that focuses on cutting-edge technology to meet the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s customers. I look forward to continuing this success story with a highly motivated Kistler team.”
 
Rolf Sonderegger remains the majority owner of the Kistler Group, and he will take over as Chairman of the Board of Directors from Valentin Vogt in spring 2027 after a two-year sabbatical.
 
The company was founded at Winterthur in 1959 by Hans Conrad Sonderegger (Rolf Sonderegger’s father) and Walter P. Kistler. In 2002, Rolf Sonderegger assumed overall responsibility as CEO and Delegate of the Board of Directors, and he acquired Walter P. Kistler’s shares.