R. STAHL AG, a leading provider of explosion-protected electrical and electronic products, has appointed Elke Eckstein to its Supervisory Board as a shareholders' representative. The appointment, made by Stuttgart Local Court at the request of the Executive Board, took effect immediately and follows the departure of Peter Leischner on September 15, 2026, after many years of service. The court appointment is valid until the end of the Annual General Meeting that resolves on the discharge of the Supervisory Board for the 2026 financial year. This move ensures the Supervisory Board is once again fully staffed and remains completely able to act until a successor is elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
Eckstein brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive in industrial companies, particularly in the semiconductor, electronics, and photonics sectors. She has held various roles on statutory supervisory boards and comparable international bodies, including positions at 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. Her background combines international industry experience with a sound understanding of technology and corporate governance, which she has successfully demonstrated in challenging situations and demanding sectors.
Prof. Dr. Peter Hofmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of R. STAHL AG, 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 of R. STAHL AG, 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."
The appointment is significant as it restores the Supervisory Board's full capacity, enabling it to continue overseeing the company's strategic direction without interruption. R. STAHL operates in industries where safety and reliability are paramount, and a fully functional supervisory board is essential for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring effective governance. Eckstein's expertise in technology and international markets aligns with R. STAHL's focus on innovation and global expansion, particularly in explosion protection for sectors such as chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and food and beverage. Her experience with hydrogen applications, which most R. STAHL products are approved for, could be particularly valuable as the company seeks to capitalize on the growing hydrogen economy.
R. STAHL, headquartered in Waldenburg, Germany, generated global sales of around EUR 313 million in 2025 with 1,659 employees. Its shares are traded on the Regulated Market/Prime Standard of Deutsche Boerse. The company's products prevent explosions in hazardous areas and contribute to the safety of people, machines, and the environment. With Eckstein's appointment, R. STAHL reinforces its commitment to strong corporate governance and positions itself to navigate the complexities of its industry. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com, and more information about the company is available at www.r-stahl.com.
