Dr Torsten Derr will become Schott's new CEO on January 1, 2025.

He will succeed Dr Frank Heinricht, who led the company for 11 years and will retire on December 31, 2024.

Dr Derr, who has served as CEO of SGL Carbon since 2020, will join Schott upon the conclusion of his contract.

In his new position in Mainz, Germany, he will be responsible for Schott’s Tubing Business Unit as well as the corporate functions Research & Development, Compliance & Legal, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, and Strategic Development.

He will also serve as Chairman of the Supervisory Board for Schott’s subsidiary Schott Pharma.

Dr Derr said: “Schott is a company with an impressive history and tradition that is simultaneously highly innovative and future-oriented.

“It’s an honour to take on the leadership of the company. I look forward to the challenging and exciting journey ahead.”

Born in 1970 in Bremen, Germany, Dr Derr earned a master’s degree and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Bremen.

He then began his career in 1997 at Bayer AG as an R&D Manager for plastics.

In 2003, he joined specialty chemicals company Lanxess, where he held various leadership roles, including Head of Commercial & Supply Chain Excellence and Chief Commercial Officer.

In 2016, he moved to the company’s subsidiary Saltigo, where he managed the fine chemicals business until becoming CEO of SGL Carbon, headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Here, he worked to ensure the successful development of the company, which is focused on carbon-based technologies.

Dr Michael Bolle, Chairman of Schott’s Supervisory Board, said: “The Supervisory Board looks forward to working with Dr Derr.

“His extensive experience and track record in leading and developing technology companies make him highly qualified for the position.

“With Schott, he is joining a healthy and growth-oriented company with a solid foundation. Our best wishes to Dr Derr.”