ZEISS Announces Leadership Transition: Andreas Pecher to Succeed Dr. Karl Lamprecht as President and CEO

After almost 20 years at ZEISS, the President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG, Dr. Karl Lamprecht, has decided not to extend his contract. Therefore, the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss AG has decided to appoint Andreas Pecher as the new President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG effective 1 April 2025. Andreas Pecher joined ZEISS in 2013, and he has been a member of the Executive Board, responsible for the ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) segment, since 2022.

Michael Bolle, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss AG:

"With the appointment of Andreas Pecher, it has once again proved possible to fill the position of President and CEO from among our ranks. We are looking forward to continuing the successful development of the Group together with him."

"In addition to his extensive experience gained during his many years of exceptionally successful work for ZEISS, Andreas Pecher has an excellent understanding of technology as well as a wide range of management expertise from various leadership positions. In particular, this includes the development and implementation of successful innovation and growth strategies. The Supervisory Board would like to wish Andreas Pecher every success in his new role."

Andreas Pecher joined ZEISS in 2013 as Head of Strategic Business Development for SMT. There, he successfully took on various management tasks, including as Head of the Semiconductor Mask Solutions and the Semiconductor Manufacturing Optics strategic business units. Dr. Karl Lamprecht informed the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss AG early on about his intention not to extend his contract, which will expire in spring 2025.

Michael Bolle:

"We deeply regret Karl Lamprecht’s decision, but at the same time we respect his choice to concentrate more on his private life in the future. His start as CEO coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ZEISS was able to manage quite well under his leadership. With a clear strategic focus and the continuous development of the corporate culture, Karl Lamprecht has generated crucial momentum for ZEISS. This is reflected in the impressive revenue development and headcount growth over the past years."

"We would like to wish Karl Lamprecht all the best and thank him for the excellent work he has done over the past almost 20 years. He is handing over a company that is very well positioned and financially stable with exceptionally strong opportunities for development."

During Dr. Karl Lamprecht’s tenure as President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG, the ZEISS Group’s revenue increased from 6.3 billion euros to over 10 billion euros; EBIT rose from 922 million euros to around 1.7 billion euros (fiscal year 2022/23); and the number of employees went from around 32,000 to over 44,000 (as of 31 March 2024).

Karl Lamprecht:

"Prior to the upcoming contract extension, I realized that now is the right time to focus more on my personal interests. Thanks to important strategic decisions, ZEISS can successfully continue its dynamic growth trajectory with double-digit revenue in the billions and healthy profitability."

"I would like to thank the Supervisory Board and all employees. It has always felt like a privilege to work for ZEISS."

When making other personnel decisions, the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss AG has opted for continuity not only in the role of President and CEO, but also in the new appointment of Executive Board members and contract extensions. Thus, Dr. Frank Rohmund was appointed a member of the Executive Board and Head of the ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) segment effective 1 January 2025. At ZEISS, he currently heads the Semiconductor Manufacturing Optics (SMO) strategic business unit.

Michael Bolle:

"Frank Rohmund also has an excellent grasp of the industry and strong innovation expertise. With his deep knowledge of the semiconductor industry and his experience within the SMT leadership board, he is the right choice to successfully lead SMT in the long term."

In addition, the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss AG extended the contracts of Susan-Stefanie Breitkopf and Sven Hermann by five years until 2030. Both were appointed members of the Executive Board in 2022 – Susan-Stefanie Breitkopf as Chief Transformation Officer of the ZEISS Group, and Sven Hermann for the ZEISS Consumer Markets segment. 

Starting 1 April 2025, the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG will consist of Andreas Pecher (President & CEO), Susan-Stefanie Breitkopf (Chief Transformation Officer), Stefan Müller (Chief Financial Officer), Sven Hermann (Head of the ZEISS Consumer Markets segment), Dr. Jochen Peter (Head of the ZEISS Industrial Quality & Research segment), Dr. Frank Rohmund (Head of the ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology segment), and Dr. Markus Weber (Head of the ZEISS Medical Technology segment).