Born in 1964, degree in engineering (BA), joined the CLAAS Group in 1984, held various functions in Research & Development and Manufacturing both in Germany and abroad, including Head of Development and Sales of Drive Train Technology for CLAAS Industrietechnik in Paderborn, Manufacturing Manager of the joint venture Caterpillar CLAAS America in Omaha, USA, Manufacturing Manager and subsequently Technical Manager of CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH (CSE) in Harsewinkel, recently Chairman of the Board for CSE and Manager of the Grain Harvest Division of the CLAAS Group, since July 2011 responsible within the Group Executive Board for the Sales Division.