Change of leadership at Stadler after ‘different strategic and organisational development views’

The employment of Stadler’s CEO Dr. Thomas Ahlburg has been terminated by mutual consent.

The train builder has confirmed to railbusinessdaily.com that Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors, will take over the function of the Group CEO ad interim.

It says the decision was made due to different views regarding Stadler’s strategic and organisational development.

The statement says the Board of Directors has taken notice of Dr. Thomas Ahlburg’s wish to change his career direction and to become an independent entrepreneur in the future.

Peter Spuhler will assume the function of the Group CEO ad interim with immediate effect. Dr Thomas Ahlburg will continue to serve the company as a Senior Advisor until the end of 2020.

The statement says: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, Peter Spuhler thanks Dr. Thomas Ahlburg for his great commitment to Stadler in his role as Group CEO, which he had held since 1 January 2018, and in his previous position as CEO of Stadler Bussnang.

“In particular, Dr. Thomas Ahlburg has driven Stadler’s further internationalisation and a significant expansion of its capacity, which culminated in the successful IPO on 12 April 2019.”

Peter Spuhler said: “Although not always of the same opinion, I have come to know and appreciate Thomas as a passionate and pragmatic CEO.”

Stadler’s operational and strategic leadership is assured during this transitional phase thanks to Peter Spuhler’s experience as the former, long-standing Group CEO and his office as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Peter added: “I am convinced of the quality of our employees and the management team, which is reflected in the rail vehicles and services that are reliably deployed around the globe.”

Photo credit: Stadler (Thomas Ahlburg)

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