Herma managing director announces mid-2026 departure

A packaging specialist prepares for a leadership transition as Schneller steps down after four decades.

L-R: Martin Kühl, head of the labeling machines division; chief financial officer Oguzhan Celil; managing director Dr Guido Spachtholz and Sven Schneller, long-standing Herma managing director.

L-R: Martin Kühl, head of the labeling machines division; chief financial officer Oguzhan Celil; managing director Dr Guido Spachtholz and Sven Schneller, long-standing Herma managing director.

Herma has announced that its managing director, Sven Schneller, will withdraw from the company on July 1, 2026, after 40 years of service, including two decades in the leadership role, while the supervisory board has appointed current CFO Oguzhan Celil as managing director effective August 1, 2025, to ensure continuity.

Schneller said he decided to focus on his private life after four decades with the company.

'I have worked for HERMA for a total of 40 years, 20 of which as managing director,' he said. 'I came to the decision some time ago that this is the right time to let go. I will always remain associated with Herma, but my personal life plans then include a focus on my private life.'

The departing managing director plans to use his remaining tenure to oversee the generational change in company management. He has agreed to continue providing his experience to the company after his departure.

'We would have liked to keep Sven Schneller in the company for longer, but we respect his personal life plans,' said Fritz-Jürgen Heckmann, chairman of the Herma supervisory board. 'As managing director, Sven Schneller has made a decisive contribution to Herma's successful development. The shareholders and supervisory board would like to take this opportunity to thank him sincerely.'

The supervisory board has appointed Celil as managing director alongside existing managing directors Schneller and Dr Guido Spachtholz, to ensure long-term continuity. Celil has served as a member of the Herma executive committee since mid-2021.

'This successive transition follows best HERMA practice and forms an important basis for moving our company forward,' said Heckmann.

Martin Kühl, head of the labeling machines division, has been a member of the executive committee since 2013. The expanded distribution of responsibilities between managing directors will take effect January 1, 2026, with Dr Spachtholz assuming responsibility for the Labels division and Celil taking over HR duties in addition to his existing responsibilities.

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