Gurit Appoints Viktor Bernhardt as New Chief Financial Officer

Gurit Holding AG has announced the appointment of Viktor Bernhardt as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective December 1, 2025. The German national will succeed Javier Perez-Freije, whose departure was previously scheduled for the end of November 2025. This leadership transition comes at a critical time for the specialty materials company as it navigates global markets in wind energy, marine, and construction industries.

Bernhardt brings more than 25 years of international finance and leadership experience to Gurit, having held senior positions across multinational corporations, private equity portfolio companies, and family-owned businesses. His extensive background in corporate transformation, restructuring, merger and acquisition execution, and strategic growth positions him to make significant contributions to Gurit's financial strategy. The company expressed confidence that Bernhardt's financial management expertise will be instrumental in guiding Gurit through its next phase of development.

The new CFO holds a degree in Business Administration from TA Wuppertal in Germany and completed executive education at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. Most recently, Bernhardt served as CFO of the KWC Group, where he gained valuable experience in financial leadership. His appointment signals Gurit's commitment to strengthening its executive team with international talent capable of driving financial performance in competitive global markets.

Bernhardt expressed enthusiasm about joining Gurit, stating that he looks forward to collaborating with the team to drive strong financial performance and contribute meaningfully to the company's long-term success. His statement underscores the strategic importance of the CFO role in maintaining Gurit's position as a leader in advanced composite materials manufacturing.

Gurit CEO Tobias Luhrig acknowledged the transition, thanking outgoing CFO Javier Perez-Freije for his dedication while welcoming Bernhardt to the executive team. Luhrig emphasized the pivotal nature of the CFO role at Gurit and expressed confidence in Bernhardt's ability to make a strong start. The leadership change occurs as Gurit continues to supply global growth markets through its operations in multiple countries including Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, and the United States.

The appointment of an experienced financial leader like Bernhardt has significant implications for Gurit's stakeholders and the composite materials industry. As companies in the renewable energy and advanced manufacturing sectors face increasing financial complexity, strong financial leadership becomes crucial for navigating market challenges and capitalizing on growth opportunities. Bernhardt's expertise in corporate transformation and M&A execution could potentially influence Gurit's strategic direction and competitive positioning in key markets such as wind turbine manufacturing, where the company maintains significant presence.

Gurit's operations span across numerous international locations, with production sites and offices in countries including India, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The company's specialized focus on advanced composite materials, composite tooling equipment, and core kitting services requires sophisticated financial management to optimize global operations. More information about Gurit's products and services can be found at https://www.gurit.com.

The financial leadership transition at Gurit reflects broader trends in specialized manufacturing industries, where companies are increasingly seeking executives with international experience and transformation capabilities. As global markets for composite materials continue to evolve, particularly in renewable energy applications, the strategic financial management that Bernhardt brings could prove valuable in maintaining Gurit's competitive edge. The company's forward-looking statements acknowledge the uncertainties inherent in business and economic developments, highlighting the importance of experienced financial leadership in navigating complex market conditions.