KraussMaffei taps Conti VP for new COO role

Munich, Germany –  KraussMaffei (KM) has created a new chief operating officer (COO) role as part of its growth strategy.

KM announced 11 Feb that Dr Michael Ruf will join from Continental AG to take up the position on 1 April.

Most recently, Ruf was executive vice president of Continental’s commercial vehicles & aftermarket business unit.

As COO, he will also serve on KraussMaffei’s executive committee, which is currently made up of CEO Frank Stieler, CFO Harald Nippel and the heads of the company's four business segments.

Ruf will lead KM’s business segments, global procurement, facility management and ‘business excellence’ department.

His tasks will include implementing KM’s "Compass" strategy, which targets digitalisation within the company.

Ruf will also be responsible for US subsidiary KraussMaffei Corp. and ‘location development’ projects in Germany.

According to the machinery supplier, the creation of the new role is part of its growth strategy, which aims to see the company entering new market segments for new machine series.

KM also wants to expand its global presence, particularly in China, and develop its digital products/services portfolio.