R. STAHL AG, a global leader in explosion protection technology, has appointed Elke Eckstein to its Supervisory Board. The Stuttgart Local Court made the appointment at the request of the Executive Board, effective immediately. Eckstein succeeds Peter Leischner, who left the board on September 15, 2026, after many years of service. The appointment is valid until the end of the Annual General Meeting that resolves on the discharge of the Supervisory Board for the 2026 financial year, ensuring the board remains fully staffed and capable of action until a successor is elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
Eckstein brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive in industrial companies, particularly in the semiconductor, electronics, and photonics sectors. She has held roles on statutory supervisory boards and comparable international bodies, including JENOPTIK AG, the Danish KK Group A/S, the Norwegian Saferoad SRH Holding AS, the Dutch BE Semiconductor Industries NV, and the Norwegian Norautron Group AS. Her extensive background is expected to provide valuable impetus for R. STAHL's further development.
Prof. Dr. Peter Hofmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of R. STAHL AG, welcomed Eckstein: “We warmly welcome Elke Eckstein to the Supervisory Board. She combines international industry experience with a sound understanding of technology and corporate governance and has successfully demonstrated her expertise in more challenging situations and demanding sectors. Elke Eckstein will provide valuable impetus for the further development of R. STAHL. At the same time, we thank Peter Leischner for his many years of commitment and our trusting cooperation.”
Tobias Popp, Executive Board member of R. STAHL AG, added, “We look forward to working with Elke Eckstein. Her experience will help us drive forward the transformation we have initiated and position R. STAHL for the future.”
R. STAHL is one of the world's leading suppliers of electrical and electronic products and systems for explosion protection. These products and systems prevent explosions in hazardous areas and contribute to the safety of people, machines, and the environment. The portfolio covers Electrical, Automation, and Lighting segments, complemented by the cross-divisional function Customer Solutions. Typical customers include the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, the oil and gas industry—including LNG applications—as well as the food and beverage industry. Most R. STAHL products are also approved for use with hydrogen. In 2025, the company generated global sales of around EUR 313 million with 1,659 employees. Its shares are traded on the Regulated Market/Prime Standard of Deutsche Boerse (ISIN DE000A1PHBB5). For more information, visit www.r-stahl.com.
The appointment of Eckstein comes at a critical time as R. STAHL continues its transformation to meet evolving market demands, particularly in hydrogen applications and automation. Her expertise in semiconductors and photonics could drive innovation in explosion protection technology, potentially leading to safer and more efficient products for hazardous environments. This move underscores R. STAHL's commitment to strong corporate governance and strategic leadership. The full supervisory board ensures stability and effective oversight as the company navigates the complexities of the global industrial landscape. Stakeholders can view the original release on www.newmediawire.com.
