Passing on the Torch at Gilgen Logistics
Daniel Gilgen is going to be CEO at Gilgen Logistics. He will be taking over the reins from his father, Jakob Gilgen, and carry on the Swiss family business in its 3rd generation. Jakob Gilgen is to remain president of the board of directors. Michael Hediger and Franz Kohler are joining the management board. Stefan Hayoz will then become the new head of Sales for the Systems Business Division. This will complete the intralogistics specialist’s planned succession arrangements and organizational restructuring.
Gilgen Logistics was founded in 1961 as a one-man business by Jakob Gilgen Sr. Today, more than 60 years later, the Swiss family business generates more than CHF 75 million in revenues and employs 190 people at various locations in Switzerland and Germany. Initiated three years ago, the succession plan was carefully planned with the organizational course being set on an ongoing basis.
As of January 1, 2023, Daniel Gilgen will be CEO of Gilgen Logistics. Daniel Gilgen joined the company in 2017 as overall project manager. In 2020, he took over the management of the "Systems" business unit and has since been a member of the Executive Board as well as Deputy CEO. He is taking over the management from his father, Jakob Gilgen. Daniel Gilgen will thus carry on the continuity of the traditional family business in its 3rd generation. Jakob Gilgen will remain 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.
Jakob Gilgen.
New Management Board
In the course of this passing of the torch, there will be a reshuffle in the management board. Michael Hediger, the previous head of Systems Sales, is now responsible for the entire Systems Division and is joining the management board along with Franz Kohler. Franz Kohler has been in charge of the Loading Technology Department for several years. This division is now being assigned a higher strategic status within the company and is now officially represented in the top operational management. The existing members, Ruedi Weber, head of Customer Service, and Thomas Herren, CFO, will complete Gilgen Logistics’ management board.
Jakob Gilgen hands over the management of Gilgen Logistics AG to his son Daniel Gilgen and the other members of the Executive Board. (from left to right: Michael Hediger, Ruedi Weber, Daniel Gilgen, Jakob Gilgen, Thomas Herren, Franz Kohler)
New Head of Sales for Systems
In the wake of Michael Hediger’s departure, Stefan Hayoz will become the new head of Sales for the division that generates the most sales. Stefan Hayoz has been with the company for just under six years, first as a system engineer and for some time now as a Sales Manager. With this experience and know-how, he can seamlessly take over the new position.
I am very pleased that we were able to fill all positions in this castling with internal employees
says Daniel Gilgen and thanks his father:
Jakob Gilgen has led Gilgen Logistics with great commitment and extensive experience, aligned it strategically with clarity and success, and thus laid the ideal foundation for its further development.
Continuity in strategic orientation
With the new management, the long-term planned restructuring has been completed and Gilgen Logistics is optimally positioned strategically. The successful development of internal know-how in recent years and targeted investment activities form the basis for further sustainable growth. This chosen path, with a particular focus on innovation and digitalisation, will be consistently pursued. Gilgen Logistics intends to achieve sustainable growth in all of its business areas, thereby maintaining its strategic orientation.