HEGLA Group under new management

With new CEO, Christian Decker, the HEGLA Group has completed its transition into the next generation of management. Christian Decker succeeds Bernhard Hötger, who was associated with HEGLA for more than 42 years. “Not many people are lucky enough to be able to look back on such a long and fulfilling career in one company,” says Bernhard Hötger. “It was therefore all the more important for me to initiate the transition well in advance and lay the groundwork at an early stage. 

In recent years, the management structure has been gradually and carefully adapted, with Peter Herrmann, Dr Heinrich Ostendarp, Toni Schön (all HEGLA Beverungen), Thomas Schwabe (HEGLA Maintenance and Service), Marc-Alexander Stachel (HEGLA Fahrzeugbau) in Satteldorf, Kai Hösel (HEGLA Maschinenbau in Kretzschau), Dr Jan Schäpers and Jannes Holborn (HEGLA-HANIC in Bochum). On the one hand, the Group grew in international markets. On the other hand, further partner companies joined the group, such as HEGLA-HANIC (software), HEGLA boraident (laser processing) and HEGLA RS technology, considerably expanding its expertise.

“I’m thankful that we were able to work together and turn a small trade business into a global ‘Hidden Champion’,” reflects Bernhard Hötger. “With Christian Decker, we are continuing our development while ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition to the next generation,” adds Bernhard Hötger. “Christian Decker stands out for his longstanding links to the mechanical engineering industry as well as his extensive experience managing an international mechanical engineering company. He is familiar with mechanical engineering projects tailored to the individual customer as well as with the challenging requirements of one-off production. At the same time, HEGLA and the team will benefit from his new perspective.”

Bernhard Hötger will begin his well-earned retirement on 30 September 2026. Christian Decker has already assumed responsibility for the HEGLA Group. “I was given a warm welcome by the team at HEGLA and am looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and our customers,” says Christian Decker.

He joins Toni Schön (Chief Sales Officer), Peter Herrmann (Chief Operations Officer), Thomas Schwabe (Chief Maintenance and Services Officer) and Dr Heinrich Ostendarp (Chief Technology and Development Officer) as part of the now complete new generation of management at HEGLA. “We would like to express our sincere thanks and deepest respect to Bernhard Hötger for the good, constructive and inspiring cooperation,” says Toni Schön on behalf of the entire HEGLA Group. “The course is set, and we will continue on our journey as a market and technology leader,” emphasises Christian Decker.