CLAAS is changing its management structure at the start of the new business year on 1 October 2019 and introducing the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“This important change serves to achieve even better and faster decision-making processes at CLAAS and increase our flexibility in a time of rapid change”, explains Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, chairwoman of the CLAAS Supervisory Board.

Thomas Böck

The new role of CEO will be taken on by Thomas Böck, responsible for the division of Technology and Systems within the Group Executive Board.

Hermann Lohbeck, who was previously speaker of the Group Executive Board and responsible for Forage Harvesting, Strategy and Corporate Communications, has chosen to leave the company at the start of the new business year to move onto new challenges.

“With his drive and passion for agricultural technology, Hermann Lohbeck has made a great contribution to the success of the company. We would like to thank him for the 20 years of service he has given us in a variety of different management positions, including five years on the Executive Board”, explains Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser. “With Thomas Böck as the future Chief Executive Officer, we have filled the new position internally with a dynamic personality, who brings a serious passion for technology and team spirit to this role.”

Thomas Böck is a qualified engineer specialised in electrical engineering. He began his professional career as a vehicle systems developer. From 1996 to 2006, he worked in leadership roles with well-known manufacturers of agricultural and commercial vehicles. At these companies, he was responsible for the development of electronic and hydraulic systems for utility and commercial vehicles.

Thomas Böck joined the CLAAS Group in 2006 and has proved himself in management positions, including as Technology Manager at CLAAS Saulgau GmbH. Thomas Böck has international connections within the industry and represents the company in various associations. Thomas Böck was appointed to the CLAAS Group Executive Board in 2014, which he will now chair from October 1st, simultaneously leading the Division of Technology and Systems.