Desma long-time leader Martin Schürmann steps down

Fridingen, Germany – Martin Schürmann, the long-time commercial director at German rubber machinery maker Klöckner Desma Elastomertechnik, has parted ways with the company, Desma announced 21 March.

“Last Monday, the era for him [Schürmann] at our company ended abruptly and surprisingly for many,” said the Desma in statement without offering further details.

The machinery maker, however, noted that parent company Salzgitter AG intended to expand Desma’s ‘technology’ business unit as part of its strategy.

Furthermore, it went on to say that the Fridingen-based company aimed to strengthen its internal performance through carrying out “proven strategic projects”.

These projects, Desma said, are aimed at securing the market position the company has acquired over the long term.

“In the course of the realignment, Mr Martin Schürmann will leave the management of the company by mutual agreement and with immediate effect,” the Desma statement said.

His duties on the management board will initially be performed by his colleague, Dr Michael Zaun.

Schürmann worked as Desma's commercial director for 16 years, playing “a key role” in shaping the company's growth path.

He also briefly took over as the technical director last year, following the departure of Dr Harald Zebedin last March.

Most recently, he contributed to the advancing of digitisation within the industry.

Prior to Desma, he served as the managing director of South Africa-based KHS AG, which also belongs to the Salzgitter group.