Robert Bosch GmbH has announced significant changes to its Board of Management, with Dr. Stefan Hartung stepping down as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer effective June 30, 2026. The leadership transition comes at Hartung’s own request and has been made in close consultation with the company’s shareholders.
Dr. Christian Fischer will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO from July 1, 2026. In addition, Dr. Markus Forschner and Dr. Markus Heyn have been appointed as Vice Chairmen of the Board of Management.
Hartung will also step down from the Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH and the board of Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG. Following his departure, he plans to focus on new entrepreneurial ventures and social commitments outside the Bosch Group.
During his tenure as CEO, Hartung played a key role in advancing Bosch’s long-term growth strategy, steering the company through a challenging business environment while strengthening its focus on innovation, competitiveness and future-ready technologies.
Commenting on the leadership transition, Prof. Stefan Asenkerschbaumer, Managing Partner of Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Robert Bosch GmbH, said the shareholders and supervisory board regret Hartung’s decision but expressed their gratitude for his leadership during an exceptionally demanding period for the company.
The appointment of Christian Fischer marks the beginning of a new leadership chapter for Bosch as the global technology and mobility supplier continues to pursue its strategic transformation and innovation agenda.“As chairman of the board of management, he has driven the strong development of Bosch with purpose, in line with the will of our founder. We respect Stefan Hartung’s personal decision and wish him every success in the future.”
Hartung, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering, has been a member of the Bosch board of management since 2013 and has served as chairman of the board of management since January 1, 2022. He joined Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich in 2004. Prior to that, he had worked at the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, among other organizations.
Effective July 1, 2026, Dr. Christian Fischer (58) will succeed Dr. Stefan Hartung as Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO of Robert Bosch GmbH. A member of the board since 2018, Fischer has overseen the Consumer Goods business, strategic growth initiatives, portfolio management and leadership development. He also led Bosch’s largest-ever acquisition—the HVAC business of Johnson Controls and Hitachi. Prior to rejoining Bosch, he served as CEO of RFID technology company Smartrac, transforming it into a global market leader. As part of the leadership transition, Dr. Markus Forschner and Dr. Markus Heyn will become Deputy Chairmen of the Board of Management from July 1, 2026.
Markus Forschner (59) has served as the company’s chief financial officer (CFO) since 2022 and has been with Bosch since 1996. He studied computer science and business administration and gained a PhD from Stuttgart University’s institute for R&D management. “As an experienced CFO, Markus Forschner stands for financial stability, long-term thinking, and the disciplined execution of the transformation initiatives already adopted. In his new role, he will balance investments in future-oriented fields with financial strength, while maintaining a clear focus on safeguarding the company’s independence,” said Asenkerschbaumer.
Markus Heyn (61) has served as chairman of the Mobility business sector since 2022. He has successfully driven the reorganization of the Mobility sector and is consistently continuing to align the business with future demands. He holds a PhD in mechanical engineering, joined the Bosch Group in 1999, and has been a member of the board of management since 2015. Asenkerschbaumer: “Going forward, Markus Heyn will bring the technology perspective to the group’s senior leadership. As an engineer and head of the company’s largest business sector, Mobility, he represents innovative strength, manufacturing excellence, global market expertise, and has a proven track record in transforming the mobility business.”
