The Supervisory Board of MAX Automation SE has appointed Oliver Jaster as Managing Director and CEO, effective 1 April 2026. This leadership transition occurs as Dr. Ralf Guckert steps down from both the Managing Directorate and the Supervisory Board effective 31 March 2026, though he will remain within the MAX Automation Group as Chairman of the Management Board of Vecoplan AG, a subsidiary of MAX Automation SE.
Oliver Jaster brings extensive familiarity with the company's operations to his new role, having served on the Supervisory Board since 2013 with a brief interruption, most recently as Deputy Chairman. His indirect ownership of approximately 66% of the company's shares aligns his interests closely with long-term shareholder value. The Supervisory Board expressed confidence that Jaster's in-depth knowledge of the Group and close involvement with day-to-day operations, particularly as Chairman of the Presidential Committee, positions him ideally to lead MAX Automation SE through its current phase.
This appointment is designated as interim, with the Supervisory Board simultaneously working on a long-term succession solution. The transitional nature of this leadership change suggests the company is navigating a period of strategic planning while maintaining operational continuity. For investors and industry observers, interim appointments often indicate careful deliberation about future direction rather than abrupt changes in strategy.
The leadership reshuffle maintains institutional knowledge within the organization, as Dr. Guckert transitions to lead Vecoplan AG, a subsidiary company. This internal movement suggests the MAX Automation Group values retaining experienced leadership across its portfolio companies. MAX Automation SE, headquartered in Hamburg, operates as a medium-sized finance and investment company focused on managing and acquiring investments in growth and high cash flow companies operating in niche markets.
The company's portfolio companies serve various end industries including automotive, electronics, recycling, raw materials processing, packaging, and medical technology. As a company listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2015, leadership stability and clear succession planning are particularly important for maintaining investor confidence. The company provides information through its official website at https://www.maxautomation.com.
For the automation and industrial technology sectors, leadership transitions at investment holding companies like MAX Automation SE can signal potential strategic shifts in portfolio management or acquisition focus. The interim nature of this appointment suggests the Supervisory Board is taking measured time to identify permanent leadership that aligns with the company's future direction while ensuring current operations continue smoothly under experienced guidance.
