The Supervisory Board of ZF Friedrichshafen AG has elected Dr. Rolf Breidenbach as its new chairman, succeeding Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger, who has served in the role for the past three years. The decision was made during the board’s meeting on March 19, 2025.
Breidenbach, a seasoned expert in the automotive industry, has been a member of the ZF Supervisory Board since March 2023. The board also announced that Ingrid Jägering will be appointed as a new member, replacing Hiesinger.
Friedrichshafen’s Lord Mayor Simon Blümcke, representing the Zeppelin Foundation, which holds 93.8 percent of ZF Friedrichshafen AG’s shares, welcomed Breidenbach’s appointment. “With his many years of varied experience in the automotive and automotive supplier industry, he is exceptionally well qualified to constructively support the demanding transformation process of the group,” Blümcke stated.
Born in Bochum, Breidenbach studied mechanical engineering and economics at RWTH Aachen University, where he also earned a doctorate in mechanical engineering. His career includes roles in the industry and technical services, followed by eight years at McKinsey & Company, where he became a partner. From 2004 to 2022, he served as CEO of Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA, a global automotive supplier specializing in lighting and electronics.
Hiesinger, who joined the ZF Supervisory Board in 2021 and became chairman in 2022, was praised for his contributions during a transformative period for the company. “We are greatly indebted to Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger,” Blümcke said. “With his extensive leadership experience, he has provided crucial guidance to ZF in recent challenging years.”
Hiesinger had previously informed Blümcke that he would not be available for a second term beyond 2028. To ensure a stable transition in the board’s leadership, he opted to step down early. The Zeppelin and Ulderup Foundations accepted his offer, allowing for a smooth handover to Breidenbach.
The vacancy on the ZF Supervisory Board will be filled by Ingrid Jägering, who is set to be elected by the General Meeting of ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Jägering, 58, is currently the Chief Financial Officer at power tool manufacturer Stihl AG. She began her career at Siemens AG in 1986 and has since held leadership positions at various industrial companies, including MAN and Leoni.
“Ingrid Jägering will provide valuable insights to the ZF Supervisory Board in challenging times with her broad industry expertise and extensive financial acumen,” said Breidenbach. “We look forward to her contributions and collaboration.” The leadership transition marks a new chapter for ZF Friedrichshafen AG as it continues its transformation in the global automotive industry.