Gerd Liebig, CEO and managing director of injection molding machine manufacturer Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, will step down on Aug. 31.
“I am very grateful for the high level of support, respect and trust always shown to me by the owners, my team and colleagues. We have forged some of the strongest professional relationships, mentoring and subsequent friendships with colleagues around the world," he said in a news release.
He has spent 35 years in the industry, witnessing major changes in the market, applications, products and competition, and anticipates more acceleration in the development of technology. “This will require a future leadership team with extensive experience, flexibility and the strongest commitment to our customers and the market,” he said.
The company said the next management team will be formed from within its own ranks and will be announced over the summer. The current management team includes CFO Christian Maget and COO Takaaki Kaneko.
“Those who know me are aware that I am not going into retirement mode with this decision — rather, I will continue to support industry activities that give me the greatest pleasure. My commitment to combating climate change and to the energy transition is paramount," Liebig said. “I won't be retiring completely from the plastics industry, which has played an important role for more than half of my life and which I was also able to help shape to some extent. Rather, I will remain a part of Sumitomo and will continue to contribute to the group to a limited extent and without operational responsibility."
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag manufactures all-electric injection molding machines and automation and is based in Schwaig, Germany.
