SCHOTT AG announces leadership transition to Stefan Brandl

SCHOTT AG, the Mainz-based specialty glass manufacturer, has announced a change in its executive leadership. Torsten Derr will step down from the management board and conclude his term as CEO on October 31, 2026. The company stated that the decision was made by mutual agreement due to personal and family reasons.

Stefan Brandl will succeed Derr as CEO, effective November 1, 2026. Brandl, 58, currently leads the automotive supplier Dräxlmaier and serves on the supervisory board of SCHOTT AG. The company noted that Brandl brings both corporate knowledge and experience in leading international organizations to the role.

During his tenure, Derr focused on restructuring the company to increase future stability, specifically by granting more responsibility and decision-making autonomy to individual business units. SCHOTT AG employs approximately 17,400 to 18,000 people across more than 30 countries, producing products ranging from household appliance glass to specialized components for the semiconductor and wearable technology industries.