The Supervisory Board of KION GROUP AG has extended the term of Chief Financial Officer Christian Harm until July 2029, a decision that ensures continuity in the Executive Board and strengthens the further development of KION's financial organization. The internationally experienced executive, who has over 20 years of experience within KION and its predecessor company Linde AG, will continue leading the financial operations of the global supply chain solutions provider.
Mohsen Sohi, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, stated that since taking office in July 2023, Christian Harm has successfully steered and driven KION's financial organization to the next level, significantly contributing to the resilient development of the company during volatile years. "In an ongoing challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical environment since he took office in July 2023, Christian Harm successfully steered and drove KION's financial organization to the next level, significantly contributing to the resilient development of the company during these volatile years," said Sohi. "With Christian Harm's deep knowledge of the capital markets community, he will ensure continuity and ongoing trustful relationships with all key stakeholders."
Harm has played a crucial role in strategic key projects throughout his career at KION, including the company's Initial Public Offering in 2013 and the acquisition of Dematic in 2016. His extensive experience includes heading KION's procurement from 2006 to 2012, leading the strategy department until 2018, serving as Executive Vice President Finance and Operations of KION brand Linde Material Handling in 2019, and as Executive Vice President Finance of KION Industrial Trucks & Services in the EMEA region from 2021 until his appointment as CFO. He began his career at Unilever from 1992 to 1998, followed by positions at McKinsey & Company from 1999 to 2003 and Linde AG from 2003 to 2006.
KION Group is a significant player in global supply chain solutions, shaping world trade and ensuring customers' supply chains reach their full potential with efficient, smart, sustainable, and reliable services featuring real-time traceability and high delivery speed. The company's comprehensive offerings include industrial trucks, integrated automation technologies, AI-based solutions, software, and related services. KION's supply chain solutions enable the smooth flow of materials and information in customers' warehouses, production plants, and distribution centers across over 100 countries worldwide.
The MDAX-listed group holds several notable market positions. It is the largest manufacturer of industrial trucks in the EMEA region based on units sold in 2023. Based on 2023 revenue, KION is the leading overseas manufacturer in China and, including domestic manufacturers, the third-largest supplier in that market. In the warehouse automation sector, KION is the world's leading provider based on 2023 revenue. At the end of 2024, more than 1.9 million KION industrial trucks were in use by customers across various sectors and sizes on six continents. The group currently employs more than 42,000 people and generated approximately EUR 11.5 billion in revenue during the 2024 financial year.
This leadership continuity decision comes at a time when stable financial management is particularly valuable for global industrial companies navigating economic uncertainties. The extension signals confidence in Harm's ability to maintain strong stakeholder relationships and drive financial strategy forward. For investors and industry observers, this move suggests KION is prioritizing experienced leadership to navigate the complex challenges facing global supply chain and material handling markets. Additional information about the company can be found on their media website at https://www.kiongroup.com/media, and image material is available through their image database at https://kion-mediacenter.canto.global/v/MediaCenter/.
