Schott gets new head: Stefan Brandl succeeds Torsten Derr

Stefan Brandl will become the new CEO at specialty glass manufacturer Schott on November 1, 2026, succeeding Torsten Derr. Brandl, currently CEO of Dräxlmaier, brings leadership experience and is already familiar with Schott from his time on its supervisory board.

Schott gets new boss: Stefan Brandl succeeds Torsten Derr

Mainz – A significant personnel change is pending at the specialty glass manufacturer Schott: On November 1, 2026, Stefan Brandl will take over the position of Chairman of the Board of Management. He succeeds Torsten Derr, who will leave the company at the end of October. Brandl, who is currently still CEO of the automotive supplier Dräxlmaier, not only brings extensive leadership experience but is already familiar with Schott from his work on the Supervisory Board. This succession is a strategic new appointment at the top of a globally active technology group.

The outgoing CEO, Torsten Derr, had managed the fortunes of Schott since June 1, 2021, and led the company through a phase of growth and innovation. His tenure was characterized by the further development of the product portfolio and the strengthening of the market position in various key areas such as the pharmaceutical, optical, and semiconductor industries. The now-announced leadership change at the top of a company of this size and complexity is a standard process, which is nevertheless always carefully planned and communicated to ensure continuity and stability.

For prospective MBA graduates and those interested in the management of large corporations, this case offers interesting insights into the dynamics of top management positions. The transition from an external CEO, who nevertheless already knows the company from a supervisory function, to an internal or long-planned successor is a textbook example of corporate governance and strategic personnel development. The ability to bring both operational leadership experience and a deep understanding of the corporate culture and strategy, as is the case with Stefan Brandl through his supervisory board activities, is seen as a decisive success factor for a smooth handover. Such positions require not only technical expertise but also strong leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead employees on a global level—skills that are often taught and deepened in advanced management degree programs such as the MBA.

Background of the appointment

As the former CEO of an automotive supplier, Stefan Brandl brings cross-industry management experience that can be advantageous for a diversified group like Schott. The automotive industry is known for its high demands on efficiency, speed of innovation, and global supply chains. This experience could provide valuable impulses for the further development of Schott, especially in a rapidly changing technological environment. The appointment of a CEO who has previously accompanied the company as a member of the Supervisory Board also signals a well-founded decision and potentially a strategic orientation based on an existing knowledge of internal structures and challenges.