Stefan Hayoz will subsequently become the new Sales Manager for the systems business. This completes the restructuring for the carefully planned succession plan in the Gilgen family and the Swiss intralogistics specialist is optimally positioned for the future.

The company was founded in 1961 as a one-man business by Jakob Gilgen Senior. Today, over 60 years later, the Swiss family business generates sales of CHF 75 million and employs 190 people at various locations in Switzerland and Germany. The now completed succession plan was initiated three years ago. Since then, appropriate organizational changes have been made on an ongoing basis with a view to handing over the reins.

Daniel Gilgen joined the company in 2017 as Overall Project Manager. In 2020, he took over as Head of the Systems division and has been a member of the Executive Board and Deputy CEO ever since. He is now taking over the reins from his father Jakob Gilgen. Daniel Gilgen is now the 3rd generation to continue the traditional family business. However, Jakob Gilgen remains majority shareholder and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

"I am extremely pleased that I can hand over the management of our family business to my son. I am convinced that the company will continue to develop positively under his leadership," says Jakob Gilgen.

New management

As part of the handover, there will be further changes to the Executive Board. Michael Hediger, previously Sales Manager Systems Business, is now responsible for the entire Systems division and joins the Executive Board together with Franz Kohler. Franz Kohler has been in charge of the Loading Technology department for several years. Following Jakob Gilgen's retirement from the operational business, Franz Kohler now represents this division directly on the Executive Board. Former members Ruedi Weber, Head of Customer Service, and Thomas Herren, CFO, complete the Executive Board of Gilgen Logistics.

New Sales Manager Systems Business

Following the departure of Michael Hediger, Stefan Hayoz will become the new Head of Sales for the largest business unit. Stefan Hayoz has been with the company for almost six years, initially as a system engineer and more recently as Sales Manager. With this experience and his know-how, he can take over the new position seamlessly.

"I am very pleased that we have been able to fill all the positions in this rotation with internal employees," says Daniel Gilgen, thanking his father: "Jakob Gilgen has managed Gilgen Logistics with great commitment and extensive experience, has set a clear and successful strategic direction and thus laid the ideal foundation for further development."

Continuity in strategic orientation

With the new management, the long-term planned restructuring has been completed and Gilgen Logistics is in an optimal strategic position. The successful development of internal expertise and targeted investment activities over the past few years form the basis for further sustainable growth. This chosen path, with a particular focus on innovation and digitalization, will be consistently pursued. Gilgen Logistics aims to achieve sustainable growth in all of its business areas, thereby maintaining its strategic focus.