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Florian Hohenwarter wird mit Wirkung zum 1. Januar 2026 zum CEO von KNDS Deutschland ernannt
KNDS Deutschland hat heute bekanntgegeben, dass Ralf Ketzel, seit 2020 CEO, am 1. Januar 2026, nach 35 Jahren im Unternehmen, in den Ruhestand treten wird. Sein Nachfolger wird Florian Hohenwarter, derzeit Chief Operating Officer von KNDS und seit April 2023 Mitglied der Geschäftsführung. Ralf Ketzel begann seine Karriere 1990 bei Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (damals KraussMaffei). In den vergangenen drei Jahrzehnten verantwortete er wichtige Führungspositionen, trieb Innovationen im Bereich der Landsysteme voran, förderte die internationale Zusammenarbeit und baute den Beitrag von KNDS Deutschland für die europäischen und ukrainischen Verteidigungsfähigkeiten aus. Ralf Ketzel ist maßgeblich am Erfolg des LEOPARD 2 beteiligt, einem der modernsten Kampfpanzer der Welt. Mit über 3.300 Systemen in 23…
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Florian Hohenwarter appointed CEO of KNDS Deutschland effective 1st January 2026
KNDS Deutschland today announced that Ralf Ketzel, CEO since 2020, will retire on 1st January 2026 after 35 years of dedicated service to the company. He will be succeeded by Florian Hohenwarter, currently KNDS Chief Operating Officer and member of the Management Board since April 2023. Ralf Ketzel began his career at Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (then KraussMaffei). Over the past three decades, he has held key leadership positions, driving innovation in land defense systems, fostering international collaboration, and strengthening KNDS Deutschland’s contribution to European and Ukrainian defense capabilities. Ralf Ketzel has been instrumental in driving the continued success of the LEOPARD 2, one of the world’s most advanced main battle tanks.…
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Nomination of Tom Enders as Chairman of KNDS Board of Directors
KNDS today announced that Tom Enders will join KNDS Board of Directors as the Group Chairman, effective November 3rd. Tom Enders, a distinguished European business executive and former aerospace leader, is best known for his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of EADS and Airbus from 2005 to 2019. During his leadership, Airbus became global leader in commercial aviation, consolidated its position in the defense and space business and multiplied its enterprise value. Before joining the aerospace industry, Mr. Enders held various policy and research roles, including positions at the German Ministry of Defense and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London. Since leaving Airbus, he has remained deeply…
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KNDS annonce le départ de Nicolas Chamussy, CEO de KNDS France
Nicolas Chamussy quittera ses fonctions de CEO de KNDS France le 30 septembre. Sous sa direction depuis avril 2021, KNDS France a poursuivi sa transformation en s’adaptant au nouveau contexte international et européen de défense, en accélérant sa croissance et en répondant aux attentes de ses clients en matière de montée en cadence et de performance opérationnelle. Jean-Paul Alary, CEO de KNDS a déclaré : « Les membres du Conseil d’administration et l’équipe de direction de KNDS remercient Nicolas pour son engagement et sa contribution au développement du groupe au cours de ces années et lui souhaitent le meilleur pour la suite de sa carrière. » Nicolas Million, Directeur Finance…
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KNDS announces the departure of Nicolas Chamussy, CEO of KNDS France
KNDS today announced that Nicolas Chamussy will step down as CEO of KNDS France, effective September 30. Since his appointment in April 2021, KNDS France has advanced its transformation, adapted to the evolving international and European defense landscape, accelerated growth, and delivered on customer expectations for industrial ramp-up and operational performance. Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of KNDS, said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors and KNDS leadership team, I would like to thank Nicolas for his commitment and significant contribution to the Group’s development. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.” Until a successor is appointed, Nicolas Million, Chief Financial Officer of KNDS France, will…
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KNDS acquires 10% of Kymati GmbH and fosters long-term cooperation for outstanding Radar solutions
KNDS and Kymati decided to deepen their joint development of radar-solutions by KNDS now being a shareholder and strategic partner of Kymati GmbH. The integration of unmanned assets in the KNDS Mission-Solution-Portfolio is – among other identified new technologies – a core capability for KNDS as a leading system of systems solution provider. KNDS-Platforms can be deployed as mobile launch/landing pad for drones covering long and short distance missions. Precise Navigation of such drones in a GPS denied environment will be enhanced by innovative local radar solutions from Kymati. KNDS and Kymati have already started to cooperate on various radar-applications for drone- and robotics-guidance and detection of obstacles and persons…
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KNDS and Triton reach agreement on the transfer of shares in RENK
KNDS N.V. (“KNDS”) and Rebecca BidCo S.à r.l, a subsidiary of Triton Fund V (“Triton”) have reached an amicable settlement with respect to the transfer of shares in RENK Group AG (“RENK”) following the exercise of the Option by KNDS in February 2025. The parties agreed that Triton shall transfer 9,166,667 shares to KNDS, which will increase KNDS’ shareholding in RENK from 6.7% to 15.84%. With this step, KNDS is reaffirming its commitment to a long-term cooperation with RENK as a strategic shareholder. With the settlement, the Option Agreement ends with immediate effect. The parties agreed not to disclose further details on the agreement. Both parties will continue their good…
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Véronique Creissels Chief Communications Officer KNDS
Véronique Creissels has been appointed KNDS Chief Communications Officer, reporting directly to KNDS CEO, Jean-Paul Alary. She will oversee KNDS corporate communications activities to reinforce the group’s image as the land defence systems European leader, engaging all company stakeholders and supporting the company ambitious growth plan. “I am very pleased to welcome Véronique. At a time when the company is experiencing profound transformation, she will bring to KNDS her vast experience leading communications at innovative global companies, her knowledge of the defence sector and her strong international background,” said Jean-Paul Alary. ”I wish Véronique all the best in her new position.” Prior to that, Véronique Creissels has been the Head…
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Defence Group KNDS announces the departure of Dr. Wolfang Buechele, Chairman of the Board
Dr. Wolfgang Buechele, who has served as a member of the KNDS Board since December 2020 and as Chairman since December 2024, has decided to step down from his role for personal reasons. The French and German shareholders wish to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Buechele for his decisive contribution to the growth and strategic development of KNDS over the past years. They extend their best wishes for his future endeavors. In a context of profound and accelerating transformation in the defence sector, both shareholders are jointly engaged in appointing a new Chairman within the appropriate timeframe. Their shared objective is to ensure the continued growth of KNDS as…
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MGCS Project Company GmbH established in Cologne
The next step has now been taken in the Franco-German armaments project Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). On the basis of the approval by the German Federal Cartel Office, KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme and Thales legally incorporated the ‘MGCS Project Company GmbH’ on 10 April 2025 in Cologne. Dipl. Ing. Dipl. Wirt. Ing. and Colonel (G.S. German Army Reserve) Stefan Gramolla was appointed managing director. The founding of the company marks a further significant step in the MGCS project. After the upcoming negotiation of a contract with the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), which is acting on behalf of the…
