R. STAHL AG has appointed Elke Eckstein to its Supervisory Board, effective immediately, following a court appointment by the Stuttgart Local Court at the request of the Executive Board. She succeeds Peter Leischner, who departed the board on September 15, 2026, after many years of service. The appointment, reported via NEWMEDIAWIRE, ensures the Supervisory Board is fully staffed and able to act until the next Annual General Meeting, where a successor will be elected for the remainder of the term.
Eckstein brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive in industrial companies, with a focus on the semiconductor, electronics, and photonics sectors. She has held roles on statutory supervisory boards and comparable international bodies, including JENOPTIK AG, the Danish KK Group A/S, the Norwegian Saferoad SRH Holding AS, the Dutch BE Semiconductor Industries NV, and the Norwegian Norautron Group AS. This background positions her to contribute valuable insights to R. STAHL's strategic direction.
Prof. Dr. Peter Hofmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, welcomed Eckstein, stating, "We warmly welcome Elke Eckstein to the Supervisory Board. She combines international industry experience with a sound understanding of technology and corporate governance and has successfully demonstrated her expertise in more challenging situations and demanding sectors. Elke Eckstein will provide valuable impetus for the further development of R. STAHL. At the same time, we thank Peter Leischner for his many years of commitment and our trusting cooperation."
Tobias Popp, Executive Board member, added, "We look forward to working with Elke Eckstein. Her experience will help us drive forward the transformation we have initiated and position R. STAHL for the future."
R. STAHL is a global leader in electrical and electronic products and systems for explosion protection, serving industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and food and beverage. The company generated around EUR 313 million in global sales in 2025 with 1,659 employees, and its shares trade on the Regulated Market/Prime Standard of Deutsche Boerse. Most of its products are also approved for use with hydrogen, aligning with emerging energy trends.
Eckstein's appointment is significant for R. STAHL as it ensures continuity in oversight during a period of transformation. Her international experience and technical expertise are expected to support the company's strategic initiatives and governance. For the industry, this move underscores the importance of robust supervisory boards in navigating complex, safety-critical markets. The full board can now proceed with its duties without interruption, reinforcing stability and informed decision-making. More details about the company can be found at www.r-stahl.com.
