Bernd Meerpohl, son of Joseph Meerpohl the founder of the Company, will step down as CEO of the Big Dutchman Group after a tenure of 31 years. He will be succeeded as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management by Dr. Frank Hiller with effect from 1st April 2023. Berndt Meerpohl, the Chairman of the Board of Management will serve as Chairman of the Supervisory Board from 1st January 2024.
The planned succession will allow Dr. Hiller to bring new perspectives to complement the stable and proven existing management team. Since Bernd Meerpohl will become the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Big Dutchman will remain a family enterprise.
In commenting on the change, Jürgen Steinemann, current Chairman of the Supervisory Board stated “In past decades, Bernd Meerpohl has shaped the development of Big Dutchman and set the course for the future of the Group. The Supervisory Board and the family shareholders commend him for the time and effort he invested in the company and its personnel to make Big Dutchman a world leader in livestock farming technology. He will continue to share his knowledge and remain responsible for the Company as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.”
Bernd Meerpohl noted “Taking over my father’s responsibility as CEO over 31 years ago was an honor, as was advancing the Company for the benefit of our customers and personnel all over the World. The Meerpohl family, my closest colleagues, the Supervisory Board and I believe that a new executive should take over the operational business of Big Dutchman to introduce and integrate new concepts.”
Meerpohl continued “Dr-Ing. Hiller earned a doctorate in mechanical engineering and he brings to the Company a solid foundation based on positions with leading companies and most recently, as CEO of Deutz AG.” Meerpohl concluded by expressing appreciation to Jürgen Steinemann, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, for his active support for the management of Big Dutchman over many years. He will continue as Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
In assuming his new position Dr. Frank Hiller commented “Bernd Meerpohl is a remarkable entrepreneur who has invested much energy and spirit to position Big Dutchman as an international, innovative market leader of an industry that contributes to feeding the world’s population. I am looking forward to succeeding him as CEO and securing and advancing the market position of Big Dutchman, together with the Board of Management and all employees.”
The executive changes relate to the holding Company, Big Dutchman AG located in Germany and will not change the status, management and personnel in subsidiary companies including Big Dutchman USA located in Holland, MI.