Management
Executive Board
Dr. Richard Robinson Smith („Rob“ Smith)
born 1965 in Augsburg (Germany)
Nationality: German / US-American
Career at the KION Group
| Since 2022 | KION Group, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| Since 2022 | Chief Executive Officer of KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) – appointed until December 31, 2024 |
| 2022 | Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Labour Director of KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
Careers outside the KION Group
2020 - 2021 ─ KONECRANES PLC
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KONECRANES PLC, Helsinki (Finland)
2013 - 2019 ─ AGCO Corporation
2013 - 2019 = Senior Vice President & General Manager for Europe, Africa and Middle East of AGCO Corporation, Neuhausen am Rheinfall (Switzerland)
2019 = Chairman of the Fendt Supervisory Board of AGCO GmbH, Marktoberdorf (Germany)
2007 - 2013 ─ TRW Automotive
2007 - 2013 = Vice President & General Manager in the Global Engine Components Division of TRW Automotive, Hannover (Germany)
2009 - 2013 = Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TRW Automotive GmbH, Hannover (Germany)
2005 - 2006 ─ Tyco Electronics
Vice President, Global Automotive Division of Tyco Electronics, Bensheim (Germany)
2002 - 2005 ─ Bombardier Transportation
Vice President & General Manager, Services Material Solutions of Bombardier Transportation, Mannheim (Germany)
2000 - 2001 ─ Dell Computer Corporation
Director Materials, Supply Chain Management of Dell Computer Corporation, Austin, Texas (USA)
1994 - 2000 ─ Lucas Industries / LucasVarity / Delphi Automotive
1996 - 2000 = Project Management Director of Delphi Diesel Systems Division / LucasVarity PLC, Paris (France)
1994 - 1996 = New Product Introduction Manager of Lucas Braking Systems Division, Koblenz (Germany)
1987 - 1991
US Army Officer
Education
2001
Doctorate (Dr. rer. pol.) with dissertation in „International Operations Management“, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management Koblenz (Germany)
1994
Diplom-Kaufmann Degree in Business Administration, specialization: ‚International Operations Management“, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management Koblenz (Germany)
1992
Master of Business Administration, Finance, University of Texas at Austin Graduate School of Business, Austin/Texas (USA)
1987
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton/New Jersey (USA)
Other substantial activities
Since 2023
Member of the Board of Directors of the listed Weichai Power Co. Ltd. in Weifang, People’s Republic of China (non-executive Director)
2016 - 2023
Member of the Board of Directors of the listed FLSMIDTH & CO A/S in Copenhagen, Denmark (non-executive director)
Since 2016 Member of the Technology Committee (since 2017 Chairman)
Since 2003
Member of the non-listed American Chamber of Commerce in Germany
Since 2010 Board Director
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Hasan Dandashly
born 1960 in Beirut (Lebanon)
Nationality: Lebanese / US-American
Career at the KION Group
| Since 2018 | KION Group, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| Since 2021 | Member of the Executive Board (President KION SCS) of KION GROUP AG (Germany) and President of the Operating Unit 'KION Supply Chain Solutions' (KION SCS) - appointed until December 31, 2024 |
| Since 2018 | President and Chief Executive Officer of Dematic Corp. (non-listed company), Atlanta/Georgia (USA) |
Careers outside the KION Group
1998 - 2017 ─ General Electric
2017 = President & Chief Executive Officer Surface / Baker Hughes Integration at General Electric (GE Oil &Gas), Houston/Texas (USA)
2014 - 2016 = President & Chief Executive Officer Downstream at General Electric (GE Oil & Gas), Houston/Texas (USA)
2012 - 2013 = Vice President, Global Services at General Electric (GE Oil & Gas), Florence (Italy)
2007 - 2012 = General Manager Power Generation Services at General Electric (GE Power), Dubai (UAE)
2005 - 2006 = General Manager, Technology Development at General Electric (GE Global Research), Doha (Qatar)
2000 - 2005 = General Manager, Train Management Systems at General Electric (GE Transportation), Melbourne/Florida (USA)
1998 - 2000 = Software Engineering General Manager, Controls and HMI at General Electric (GE Intelligent Platforms), Charlottesville/Virginia (USA)
1983 - 1998 ─ Honeywell International
1993 - 1998 = Software Engineering Manager at Honeywell Industrial Automation, Phoenix/Arizona (USA)
1989 - 1993 = Software Engineering Manager at Honeywell Avionics, Phoenix/Arizona (USA)
1983 - 1989 = Research Engineer at Honeywell Corporate Research, Minneapolis/Minnesota (USA)
Education
1981 – 1983
Master Studies in Computer Science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis/Minnesota (USA)
Degree: Master of Science
1978 – 1981
Studies in Computer Science at the Lebanese American University in Beirut (Lebanon)
Degree: Bachelor of Science
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Valeria Gargiulo
born 1972 in Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Nationality: Argentinian / Italian
Career at the KION Group
| Since 2023 | KION Group, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| Since 2023 | Member of the Executive Board (Chief People & Sustainability Officer (CPSO)) of KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) - appointed until April 30, 2026 |
Careers outside the KION Group
2021 - 2023 ─ Daimler Truck AG
Vice President People & Organisational Development of Daimler Truck AG, Stuttgart (Germany)
2014 - 2021 ─ Mercedes-Benz Group, Stuttgart (Germany) (former Daimler AG)
2021 – 2021 = Vice President HR Services of Daimler AG, Stuttgart (Germany)
2018 – 2020 = Vice President HR Development & Corporate Organization of Daimler AG, Stuttgart (Germany)
2015 – 2018 = Director, Corporate Organization, HR Planning & Reporting of Daimler AG, Stuttgart (Germany)
2014 – 2015 = HR Business Partner Marketing & Sales at Daimler AG, Stuttgart (Germany)
2012 – 2014 = Head of Human Resources of Deutsche ACCUmotive GmbH, Kirchheim Teck & Kamenz (Germany)
2012 – 2014 = Head of Human Resources of NuCellSys GmbH, Kirchheim Teck (Germany)
2007 – 2012 = Senior Manager Global Assignment Management at Daimler AG, Stuttgart (Germany)
2002 – 2007 = Senior Manager Retail Integration at Mercedes-Benz Portugal S.A., Sintra (Portugal)
2001 – 2002 = Senior Manager Mergers & Acquisitions at Daimler AG, Stuttgart (Germany)
1997 – 2001 = Manager Mergers & Acquisitions at Daimler AG, Stuttgart (Germany)
1992 – 1997 = Legal Department Officer at Mercedes-Benz Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Education
1999 - 2002
Master's degree in Financial Services at the University of Wales in Cardiff in cooperation with Allfinanz Akademie and Fernuniversität Hagen (Germany and United Kingdom)
Degree: Master in Business Administration
1991 - 1996
Law studies at the Universidad de Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Degree: Legal Degree
1991 - 1992
Trainee foreign language secretary at Mercedes-Benz Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires (Argentina)
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Christian Harm
born 1968 in St. Pölten (Austria)
Nationality: Austrian
Career at the KION Group
| Since 2006 | KION Group, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| Since 2023 | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) – appointed until July 5, 2026 |
| Since 2021 | Executive Vice President Finance 'KION Industrial Trucks & Services EMEA' of KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| Since 2021 | Managing Director of STILL Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, Hamburg (Germany) |
| Since 2021 | Managing Director of Linde Material Handling GmbH, Aschaffenburg (Germany) |
| 2019 – 2020 | Managing Director Finance and Operations (Executive Vice President Finance and Operations) of Linde Material Handling GmbH, Aschaffenburg (Germany) |
| Since 2019 | Managing Director of Eisenwerk Weilbach Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| 2012 – 2018 | Executive Vice President Corporate Strategy of KION GROUP AG (former KION Group GmbH), Wiesbaden / Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| 2006 – 2012 | Vice President Purchasing of KION Group GmbH, Wiesbaden (Germany) |
Careers outside the KION Group
2003 - 2006 – Linde GmbH (former Linde AG), Munic (Germany)
2003 - 2006 = Head of Purchasing at Linde AG, Wiesbaden (Germany)
1999 - 2003 – McKinsey & Company, New York (USA)
2001 - 2003 = Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, Inc., Vienna (Austria)
1999 - 2000 = Practice Consultant (Associate) at McKinsey & Company, Inc., Cologne (Germany) / Vienna (Austria)
1992 - 1998 – Unilever Group, London (Great Britain)
1997 - 1998 = Supply & Purchasing Manager at Österreichische Unilever Ges. m.b.H., KUNER Nahrungsmittel, Vienna (Austria)
1997 - 1998 = Treasury Manager at Österreichische Unilever Ges. m.b.H., Vienna (Austria)
1996 - 1997 = Head of Sales Administration at Österreichische Unilever Ges. m.b.H., KUNER Nahrungsmittel, Vienna (Austria)
1995 - 1997 = Head of Controlling at Österreichische Unilever Ges. m.b.H., KUNER Nahrungsmittel, Vienna (Austria)
1994 - 1995 = Financial Accountant at Österreichische Unilever Ges. m.b.H., KUNER Nahrungsmittel, Vienna (Austria)
1992 - 1994 = Commercial Trainee at Österreichische Unilever Ges. m.b.H., KUNER Nahrungsmittel, Vienna (Austria)
1991 – Obligatory military service in Austria
Education
1986 - 1991
1989 - 1990 = Visiting Student at the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland)
1986 - 1991 = Study of Commerce at the University of Economics and Business Administration in Vienna (Austria)
Degree: Master of Science in Commerce (“Magister in Handelswissenschaften”)
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Andreas Krinninger
born 1967 in Bergisch Gladbach (Germany)
Nationality: Austrian
Career at the KION Group
| Since 2011 | KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| Since 2021 | Member of the Executive Board (President KION ITS EMEA) of KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany); – appointed until December 31, 2028 Chairman of the Management Board of STILL GmbH, Hamburg (Germany) and President of the Operating Unit 'KION Industrial Trucks & Services EMEA' (KION ITS EMEA) |
| since 2016 | Chairman of the Management Board of Linde Material Handling GmbH, Aschaffenburg (Germany) |
| 2016 – 2020 | Member of the Global Executive Committee of KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany), and President of the Operating Unit 'Linde MH EMEA' |
| 2018 – 2019 | Managing Director Production (acting) of Linde Material Handling GmbH, Aschaffenburg (Germany) |
| 2014 – 2018 | Managing Director Finance of Linde Material Handling GmbH, Aschaffenburg (Germany) |
| 2011 – 2013 | Chief Restructuring Officer of KION Group GmbH, Wiesbaden (Germany) |
Careers outside the KION Group
2007 - 2011 ─ Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Inc. (KKR)
2009 - 2011 = Director of KKR Capstone, London (United Kingdom)
2007 - 2008 = Principal of KKR Capstone, London (United Kingdom)
2005 - 2007 = Chief Supply Chain Officer & Member of the Executive Boards of GROHE AG, Düsseldorf (Germany)
2001 - 2005 ─ LSG Sky Chefs
2004 - 2005 = Global Senior Vice President Product Engineering & Operational Excellence of LSG Sky Chefs, Irving/Dallas (USA)
Member of the Global Executive Committee of LSG Sky Chefs, Neu-Isenburg (Germany)
2003 - 2004 = Global Senior Vice President Operational Excellence of LSG Sky Chefs, Irving/Dallas (USA)
1995 – 2001 ─ McKinsey & Company
1998 - 2001 = Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, Cologne (Germany)
1998 - 2001 = Senior Associate at McKinsey & Company, Cologne (Germany)
1993 – 1995
Research Assistant at the Lab for Manufacturing & Productivity of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge (USA)
1991 – 1993
Project Engineer at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, Heidelberg (Germany)
Education
1993 – 1995
Studies of Strategic Management & Consulting at MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge (USA)
Degree: Master of Science in Management
1986 – 1991
Studies of Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen in Aachen (Germany) / MIT Lab for Manufacturing & Productivity, Cambridge (USA, 1991)
Degree: Diploma in mechanical engineering
Other substantial activities
Since 2020
Member of the Advisory Board of the non-listed ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG in Mulfingen (Germany)
Since 2015
Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the non-listed Linde Hydraulics GmbH & Co. KG in Aschaffenburg (Germany)
Since 2015
Member of the Supervisory Board of the non-listed Schöler Fördertechnik AG in Rheinfelden (Germany)
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Dr. Henry Puhl
born 1970 in Goettingen (Germany)
Nationality: German
Career at the KION Group
| Since 2016 | KION Group, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| Since 2021 | Member of the Executive Board (Chief Technology Officer) of KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) – appointed until June 30, 2024. |
| Since 2021 | Member of the Board of Directors of KION (Jinan) Forklift Co., Ltd., Jinan (People’s Republic of China) |
| Since 2021 | Member of the Board of Administration der Linde (China) Forklift Truck Corporation Ltd., Xiamen (People’s Republic of China) |
| Since 2021 | General Manager for Research & Development, Purchasing and Quality of FENWICK-LINDE OPERATIONS SAS, Cenon sur Viennes (France) |
| 2021 | Executive Vice President Operations KION ITS EMEA; Member of the Management Board of STILL GmbH, Hamburg (Germany) and of Linde Material Handling GmbH, Aschaffenburg (Germany) |
| 2016 – 2021 | President of the Operating Unit STILL EMEA; Chairman of the Management Board of STILL GmbH, Hamburg (Germany) |
| 2016 – 2020 | Member of the Global Executive Committee of KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
Careers outside the KION Group
2009 - 2016 ─ CLAAS Gruppe (KGaA)
2011 - 2016 = Member of the Group Executive Board and Managing Director of the Grain Harvest Business Area at CLAAS KGaA, Harsewinkel (Germany)
2009 - 2011 = Spokesman of the Management Board at CLAAS Industrietechnik GmbH, Paderborn (Germany)
2008 - 2009 ─ Schaeffler KG
2008 - 2009 = Management of the Ball Bearings Division at Schaeffler KG, Herzogenaurach (Germany)
2002 - 2008 ─ Deere & Company
2006 - 2008 = Factory Manager at John Deere Works Bruchsal (Germany)
2004 - 2006 = Managing Director at John Deere India Pune (India)
2002 - 2004 = Manager Focus Factory Drive Train at John Deere Mannheim (Germany)
1999 - 2002 ─ ThyssenKrupp Automotive AG
1999 - 2002 = Project Manager in the field of engineering and investments at ThyssenKrupp Automotive AG, Bochum (Germany)
1995 - 1999 ─ Technical University of Kaiserslautern (Germany)
Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Production Systems
1998 - 1999 = Senior engineer for the area of business organization / production systems
1995 - 1998 = Research associate and project manager industrial projects
Education
1999
PhD program (Dr.-Ing.) at Technical University of Kaiserslautern (Germany)
1990 - 1995
Studies in mechanical engineering at the University of Hanover (Germany)
Degree: Diplom-Ingenieur
1989 - 1990
Military service with the Maintenance / Training Company 6/1, Hanover (Germany)
Other substantial activities
Since 2021
Member of the Advisory Board of KION Battery Systems GmbH, Karlstein (Germany)
Since 2021
Member of the Advisory Board of the non-listed JULI Motorenwerk s.r.o. in Moravany (Czech Republic)
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Ching Pong Quek
born in 1967 in Batu Pahat/Johor (Malaysia)
Nationality: Malaysian
Career at the KION Group
| Since 2006 | KION Group, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| since 2021 | Member of the Executive Board of KION GROUP AG (President 'KION Industrial Trucks & Services Asia Pacific & Americas' (KION ITS Asia Pacific & Americas), Frankfurt am Main (Germany) – appointed until June 30, 2025 |
| since 2020 | Chairman of the Executive Board of KION (Jinan) Forklift Co., Ltd. (non-listed company), Jinan (People’s Republic of China) |
| 2019 – 2021 | Member of the Executive Board of KION GROUP AG (Chief Asia Pacific & Americas Officer), Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| since 2018 | Chairman of the Board of Directors of KION India Pvt Ltd. (non-listed company), Pune (India) |
| since 2017 | Director of the Board of Linde Material Handling Pty Ltd. (non-listed company), Sydney (Australia) |
| Since 2013 | Chairman of the board of Linde Material Handling (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (non-listed company), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) |
| 2013 – 2019 | Member of the Executive Board of KION GROUP AG (Chief Asia Pacific Officer), Frankfurt am Main (Germany) |
| 2013 – 2016 | Member of the Executive Board of KION Group GmbH, Wiesbaden (Germany) |
| Since 2012 | Chairman of the board of KION South Asia Pte Ltd. (non-listed company), Singapore (Singapore) |
| Since 2012 | Chairman of the board of Linde Material Handling (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (non-listed company), Bangkok (Thailand) |
| Since 2008 | Chairman of the board of KION ASIA HK Ltd. (non-listed company), Hongkong (People’s Republic of China) |
| Since 2008 | Chairman of the Board of KION Baoli (Jiangsu) Forklift Co., Ltd. (non-listed company), Jingjiang (People’s Republic of China) |
| Since 2006 | Chief Executive Officer at Linde (China) Forklift Truck Corp., Ltd. (non-listed company), Xiamen (People’s Republic of China) |
| Since 2006 | Chairman of the board of Linde Material Handling HK Ltd. (non-listed company), Hong Kong (People’s Republic of China) |
| Since 2006 | President at Linde Material Handling Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. (non-listed company), Singapore (Singapore) |
Careers outside the KION Group
2003 - 2005 ─ Invensys Powerware (previously Eaton Power Quality)
2003 - 2005 = President - Asia Pacific at Invensys Powerware, Singapore (Singapore)
2004 - 2005 = Managing Director at Eaton Power Quality China, Shanghai (People’s Republic of China)
1994 - 2003 ─ General Electric USA (Industrial Systems)
1999 - 2003 = Managing Director – South East Asia at General Electric USA (Industrial Systems), Singapore (Singapore)
1999 - 2003 = Executive Vice President at Fuji/GE Pte Ltd., Singapore (Singapore)
1999 - 2002 = Executive Director at Seabanc GE Capital Sdn Bhd, Singapore (Singapore)
1996 - 1999 = Country Manager – Malaysia, Thailand & Brunei at General Electric USA (Industrial Control Systems), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
1997 - 1999 = Product Leader – Asia at General Electric USA Continental Control (CCI), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
1994 - 1996 = Asia Area Manager – Pulp & Paper (USA/Singapore) at General Electric USA (Drive Systems Division), Salem (USA)
1992 - 1994 ─ ABB Industrial & Building Systems, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
1993 - 1994 = Department Manager at ABB Industrial & Building Systems, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
1992 - 1993 = Sales Engineer / Product Specialist at ABB Industrial & Building Systems, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Education
1997 - 2000
Master Studies at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Melbourne (Australia)
Degree: Master of Business Administration (International Management)
1986 - 1992
Studies of Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Technology in Johor Bahru (Malaysia)
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Other substantial activities
Since 2020
Member of the Board of Directors of Shanghai Quicktron Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (non-listed company), Shanghai (People’s Republic of China) (non-executive Director)
Since 2019
Member of the Board of Directors of the non-listed company Zhejiang EP Equipment Co., Ltd., Hangzhou (People’s Republic of China) (non-executive Director)
Since 2018
Chairman of the APAC Advisory Board of Euro Asia Consulting Co., Ltd. (non-listed company), Shanghai (People’s Republic of China) (non-executive Director)
Since 2017
Member of the Board of Directors of Lansing Bagnall (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. (non-listed company), Huntingwood (Australia) (non-executive Director)
Since 2012
Member of the Advisory Board of Fujian JULI Motor Co., Ltd. (non-listed company), Putian (People’s Republic of China)
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Additional information
Additional Information in our Online Annual Report
Supervisory Board
Hans Peter Ring
Chairman
Senior Advisor, Munich (Germany)
Özcan Pancarci *
Deputy chairman
Chairman of the works council of plants I & II of Linde Material Handling GmbH, Aschaffenburg (Germany)
Chairman of the group works council of KION Group
Birgit A. Behrendt
Former Member of the extended Board of Directors (Corporate Officer), Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan (USA)
Jan Bergemann *
Senior Director Order Processing at STILL Gesellschaft mbH in Hamburg, Germany
Dr. Alexander Dibelius
Managing Partner of CVC Capital Partners (Deutschland) GmbH, Frankfurt (Germany)
Martin Fahrendorf *
Chairman of the works council of Dematic GmbH and Dematic Services GmbH, Heusenstamm (Germany)
Jiang, Kui
President of Shandong Heavy Industry Group, Ltd., Jinan (China)
Chairman of the Asia Pacific Committee at KION GROUP AG, Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
Dominique Lembke *
Head of the Collective Bargaining Department of IG Metall Bezirksleitung Küste in Hamburg, Germany
Thomas Mainka *
Chairman of the Group Works Council for main branch Hamburg/Bremen at STILL GmbH in Hamburg, Germany and member of the Group Works Council of the German KION Group
Jörg Milla *
Chairman of the works council of STILL GmbH, Hamburg (Germany)
Dr. Nicolas Peter
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt
Dr. Christina Reuter
Head of Central Manufacturing Engineering & Operational Excellence at Space Equipment Operations bei der Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Taufkirchen (Germany)
Alexandra Schädler *
Trade union secretary of the Managing Board of IG Metall, Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
Tan, Xuguang
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shandong Heavy Industry Group Co. Ltd., Jinan (China), and of China National Heavy-Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd., Jinan (China)
Claudia Wenzel *
Full-time works council member, HQ and plant 2 at Linde Material Handling GmbH, Aschaffenburg (Germany)
Xu, Ping
Partner and member of the Management Committee of King & Wood Mallesons, Peking (China)
* = as representative of the employees
Last update: 23 May 2023
Additional Information
Additional Information in our Online Annual Report
Organization
Group structure
The KION Group has three segments, representing our product categories and our internal services.
The first segment – Industrial Trucks & Services (ITS) – comprises the Operating Units KION ITS EMEA, KION ITS Asia Pacific, and KION ITS Americas. They are responsible for manufacturing, sales, and the service network for our brand companies Linde Material Handling, STILL, Baoli, Fenwick, and OM.
The second segment focuses on Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) from the KION SCS Operating Unit, which are also available to our customers through a global network. We are together with our Dematic brand also one of the world’s leading providers of warehouse automation (as measured by revenue in 2020).
The third segment is made up of our overarching Corporate Services. This is where we bring together our internal service units, from KION KION Group IT to KION Financial Services.
Key figures at the Online Annual Report
Corporate Governance
The Executive Board and Supervisory Board of KION GROUP AG are responsible for the company in accordance with the statutory provisions for stock corporations in Germany. This also includes the obligation to act within the principles of an exacting system of corporate governance that follows recognized standards. We believe these principles are essential to the Company’s long-term success. Compliance with them also increases the trust that our investors, employees, business partners, and the public have in the management and supervision of the Company. An extensive corporate governance report is an integral element of KION GROUP AG’s annual reports.
Declaration of Conformity (the comply-or-explain statement)
Every year, the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board of KION GROUP AG submit their declaration of conformity (comply-or-explain statement) relating to the recommendations of the German Corporate Governance Code government commission pursuant to section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). It is available for download here.
Additional Information
Declarations of Conformity (Comply-or-explain statements)
Remuneration of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board
Remuneration system for Executive Board members
The remuneration of the Executive Board of KION GROUP AG is focused on the sustainable and long-term development of the Company.
The total remuneration of the Executive Board comprises a non-performance-related salary, non-performance-related non-cash benefits, pension entitlements, and performance-related (variable) remuneration. The system has specifically been designed so that both positive and negative business as well as the achievement of individual targets developments have a noticeable impact (Pay for Performance).
When determining the Executive Board remuneration, the Supervisory Board places particular emphasis on sustainability by taking social and ecological aspects into account as well as on the Company’s long-term growth and has accordingly highly weighted the variable remuneration components.
The current remuneration system for the members of the Executive Board has been in place since fiscal year 2021. A description of the remuneration system for Executive Board members and further information can be found here:
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The remuneration system for the members of the Executive Board was approved by the Annual General Meeting on May 11, 2021 with an approval rate of 69.10 percent of the votes cast.
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Remuneration system for members of the Supervisory Board
The remuneration of the Supervisory Board is set out in section 18 of the Articles of Association of KION GROUP AG. The remuneration of the Supervisory Board was last adjusted on June 1, 2017.
Both the structure and the amount of Supervisory Board remuneration take into account the requirements of the office of a member of the Supervisory Board of KION GROUP AG, in particular the time and responsibility involved.
The remuneration of the Supervisory Board is not performance-related. Supervisory Board members each receive fixed remuneration plus attendance fees and reimbursement of expenses.
A description of the remuneration system for members of the Supervisory Board can be found here:
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The existing remuneration system of the Supervisory Board was confirmed by the Annual General Meeting on May 11, 2021 with an approval rate of 99.60 percent of the votes cast.
Download
Remuneration report
The Remuneration Report for fiscal year 2022 was approved by the Annual General Meeting on May 17, 2023 with an approval rate of 66.34%.
Download
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Responsibility
As a company operating all around the world, we have corporate social responsibility toward our customers, employees, financial backers and the general public. This corporate social responsibility requires us to comply with all applicable laws, to respect ethical values and to act in a sustainability-oriented manner everywhere and at all times.
Human Rights and Minimum Standards
Respecting human rights and compliance with essential environmental standards are fundamental principles of our activities – all around the world. We clearly state this in our statement on the KION Group's human rights strategy.
Minimum employment standards apply across the entire KION Group. These standards are based on the universally recognized Human Rights and the fundamental conventions drawn up by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Furthermore, the KION Group is committed to paying its employees remuneration that is appropriate to the industry in the particular country and provides a living wage. In addition, the company is strongly committed to promoting health and safety in the workplace (see SDG 3 under Sustainability).
Monitoring of compliance with the standards set is carried out using various active and passive instruments.
More Information on Human Rights
Responsibilty of our Suppliers
We also expect all of our suppliers worldwide to provide safe working conditions for their employees and comply with minimum social and environmental standards. The KION Group Principles of Supplier Conduct set out clear environmental and ethical guidelines, while the KION Group Code of Compliance and our General Purchasing Conditions stipulate specific requirements and rules of conduct.
