HOCHDORF Group: Thomas Freiburghaus becomes new CFO
Hochdorf, 15 November 2022 – The HOCHDORF Group appoints a new CFO. Thomas Freiburghaus takes over the role from Gerhard Mahrle, who has held the position ad interim since 4 July 2022. Freiburghaus brings international industry experience from previous professional positions and successful strategic transformations. He will join the powder-drying specialists based in Hochdorf (LU) and Sulgen (TG) from Stadler Deutschland GmbH by 1 May 2023 or earlier.
“With the appointment of Thomas Freiburghaus, we have gained an experienced all-rounder with broad financial expertise in the manufacturing industry. He will provide effective support in our strategy implementation and important momentum as we move forward,” comments Ralph Siegl, CEO and Board Delegate of the HOCHDORF Group, on the planned change in the Group Management. Freiburghaus was most recently Managing Director and CFO of a subsidiary of Stadler, Stadler Deutschland GmbH in Berlin. In addition to a strong operational focus, he has broad strategic business management experience gained in previous management positions in other industrial companies in Switzerland and abroad.
Significant experience in strategic realignments
Thomas Freiburghaus will replace the current CFO ad interim Gerhard Mahrle following an induction period. “On behalf of the Group Management and the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Gerhard Mahrle most sincerely for his highly valuable and effective contribution during this transformation phase, which is so important for us. Thanks to and with him, we were able to continue the operational restructuring of the company and the necessary financial planning without delay,” says Ralph Siegl.
The new CFO Thomas Freiburghaus has extensive experience involving the strategic realignment of companies. As a new member of the Group Management, he joins the HOCHDORF Group’s five-member management team. The technology company is evolving from a milk powder drying and blending specialist into a leading manufacturer of ingredients for “smart nutrition” based on milk-based and alternative proteins. HOCHDORF produces infant formula and nutritional products for small children based on Swiss cow’s milk and plant-based protein sources. These are marketed under the Bimbosan brand in Switzerland and for industry partners and third-party brands around the world.
Your contact for questions & picture requests:
Marlène Betschart, Head Corporate Communications & Investor Relations HOCHDORF Group,
Tel: +41 41 914 65 83 / +41 79 245 24 10, marlene.betschart@hochdorf.com
About the HOCHDORF Group
Founded in 1895, HOCHDORF is the Swiss centre of excellence for powder drying and mixing technology for milk-based and alternative proteins. The technology company based in Hochdorf (LU) and Sulgen (TG) in Switzerland develops functional foods and ingredients for industrial customers and consumers around the world. As “food for life”, these products help shape the changing eating habits of society today and tomorrow. The HOCHDORF Group achieved a consolidated net sales revenue of CHF 303.5 million in 2021 and employs 370 staff. HOCHDORF shares are listed on the Zurich Stock Exchange.