GEA’s CFO to take early retirement from his position on the Executive Board

Yesterday, the Supervisory Board of GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft and Dr. Helmut Schmale (61), Chief Financial Officer of GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, have mutually agreed that Helmut Schmale will step down from the Executive Board prior to the termination of his appointment due to expire at the end of March 2021. Pending the decision on his successor, Helmut Schmale will continue to perform his present tasks and responsibilities.

This continues the changing of the guard that was already heralded by GEA’s CEO, Jürg Oleas. In a concerted effort, the Supervisory Board is seeking to appoint a CEO and a CFO in the near future to ensure an orderly overall transition of leadership.

Dr. Helmut Schmale had held several management positions within GEA since 1993. He is responsible for Finance on the Executive Board of GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft since April, 2009. In addition, he heads the areas IT and Shared Service Center.

Dr. Helmut Perlet, Chairman of GEA’s Supervisory Board, stated: “On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Helmut Schmale for his many years of service for GEA and his cooperation that has never failed to be constructive and successful.”