SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts AG has appointed Alexander Guntzel as Chief Operating Officer and a member of its Management Board, effective November 16, 2026, the company announced. Guntzel succeeds Kai Oppermann, who will step down by mutual agreement at the end of November 15, 2026. The appointment, first reported via NEWMEDIAWIRE, signals the company's intent to bolster its operational leadership as demand for mission-critical antenna mast systems grows in the defense and security sectors.
Guntzel brings more than 20 years of experience in industrial and operational management of international manufacturing companies. Since 2022, he has worked for investment firm AEQUITA, most recently as Director Operations, while also serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Willi Elbe Group. His expertise includes industrial transformation, production site ramp-ups, and scaling complex manufacturing processes—capabilities that SMAG's Supervisory Board considers essential for its next phase of growth.
As COO, Guntzel will oversee production and quality management, with a focus on scaling manufacturing, ensuring reliable production processes, and enhancing quality management. This is particularly important given SMAG's role as a leading European specialist manufacturer of self-supporting, guy-wire-free mobile antenna mast systems for military applications. The company, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Salzgitter, Germany, generates substantially all of its net sales from defense and counts more than 50 defense primes, OEMs, and government agencies worldwide as customers, including 15 NATO militaries.
Esra Himmel, Chair of the Supervisory Board, said, “With Alexander Guntzel, we are gaining a Management Board member with extensive operational experience and hands-on expertise in the industrialisation and scaling of complex production processes. Quality, reliability and the ability to deliver are crucial to our customers in the defense and security sectors.” Ulrich Feindt, Chair of the Management Board, added that Guntzel's experience in production ramp-ups and operational management of complex industrial companies will be a valuable addition to the team.
The leadership change comes at a time when defense manufacturers face increasing pressure to scale production efficiently and maintain high quality standards. SMAG's antenna mast systems perform demanding tasks in mobile communications, particularly in defense and security applications, where reliability is paramount. Guntzel's appointment underscores the company's commitment to aligning its manufacturing capabilities with customer requirements and further developing its industrial capabilities in a targeted manner. The full announcement is available through the original release.
Oppermann's departure was acknowledged by Feindt, who thanked him for his dedication and contribution to SMAG's development. The transition is set to ensure continuity in operational leadership while positioning the company for future growth in the defense sector.
