IN FOCUS

UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) has announced that its chief executive, Steve Kaye, will be stepping down in November 2024. Richard Warneford, UKWIR chairman, will lead the search for Kaye’s replacement.

Ayhan Busch, co-founder and co-owner of the Busch Group, was celebrating her 90th birthday on June 8. She is still active in the company, travels to manager meetings and welcomes guests, such as the Governor of the US state of Virginia recently. Just yesterday, she inaugurated the new “Central Park” on the grounds of the Busch headquarters in Maulburg, Germany.

Valmet published on February 19, 2024, that Valmet’s Board of Directors has appointed Thomas Hinnerskov President and CEO of Valmet. Thomas Hinnerskov will assume the role of Valmet’s President and CEO on August 12, 2024. He succeeds Pasi Laine, who will continue as the President and CEO of Valmet until August 11, 2024.

Effective April 1, 2024, the management of HOMA Pumpenfabrik GmbH has been strengthened by Michael Sulzbach. In his new role, Sulzbach will oversee areas including production, logistics, and procurement.

ABB announced the appointment of Giampiero Frisio as the new President of its Electrification Business Area and Brandon Spencer as the new President of its Motion Business Area. Both will take over their new roles and join ABB’s Executive Committee on August 1, 2024.

Armstrong Fluid Technology announced that Andrew (Andy) Harrop has been appointed Global Director, Regional Sales Enablement Centers.

Franklin Electric Co., Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Joe Ruzynski as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board, effective July 1, 2024. Gregg Sengstack, who has served as CEO since 2014 and Chairperson since 2015, will continue as Executive Chairperson.

As part of an in-house strategy program, the Möhlenhoff Group has set a decisive course for a future-proof orientation. In addition to the long-standing Managing Director Frank Geburek, who has been on the management board for over ten years, Stefan Soellner has been appointed as the second Managing Director with effect from February 1, 2024.

At its recent meeting, GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft’s Supervisory Board extended the appointment of Bernd Brinker (59) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ahead of schedule until June 30, 2027. A member of the Executive Board since October 16, 2023, he was initially appointed for a one-year period.

Just before his birthday, Dr Karl Busch traveled to the Netherlands with his wife Ayhan to attend this year’s international Busch Group Manager Meeting. The co-founder and co-owner of the world market leader, who celebrated his 95th birthday on April 20, 2024, still follows the product presentations of his company with great interest.