MAHLE simplifies its group structure

MAHLE is taking a significant step in its transformation by streamlining its group structure to enhance speed and efficiency in implementing its MAHLE 2030+ strategy. The reorganization includes merging business units to strengthen electrification and thermal management, both structurally and in production. As part of this, MAHLE will acquire the remaining 25% minority interest in thermal management specialist MAHLE Behr GmbH & Co. KG. Additionally, the Group Management Board will be reduced from seven to four members.

“MAHLE is preparing for transformation,” said Arnd Franz, Chairman and CEO. “These changes will accelerate our strategy, positioning us as an innovative and sustainably profitable leader in future mobility.” Prof. Dr. Heinz K. Junker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, added, “This reorganization will improve integration and allow us to better leverage synergies.

Merging of business units

Effective January 1, 2025, MAHLE will reduce its business units from five to three, merging four existing units into two new ones. This restructuring combines related production technologies to enhance internal cooperation and create new opportunities for locations tied to the internal combustion engine.

The former “Engine Systems and Components” and “Electronics and Mechatronics” units will form “Powertrain and Charging,” strengthening MAHLE’s electrification strategy, with a focus on efficient electric motors and intelligent charging. The merger of “Filtration and Engine Peripherals” and “Thermal Management” will create “Thermal and Fluid Systems,” enhancing thermal management through production competencies in filtration.

Additionally, MAHLE will fully acquire MAHLE Behr GmbH & Co. KG, strengthening its commitment to thermal management and supporting future growth in this area.

“Following several major acquisitions in the thermal management field, this step will successfully complete the integration of this business in the MAHLE Group,” said Franz.  

The Aftermarket business unit with its established product range and additional competence in electrification and digitalization will be continued as a separate business unit under the name of “Lifecycle and Mobility”. 

Downsizing of Group Management Board

With this new group structure, the MAHLE Management Board will consist of the following four members from January 1, 2025: 

Arnd Franz will continue to be the Chairman of the Management Board and CEO. In future, Human Resources will no longer be a separate Management Board function. Arnd Franz will also assume the function of statutory Labor Director. It has been mutually agreed with Dr. Beate Bungartz, the previous Labor Director and Member of the Management Board, that her work for the company will end. She has resigned from her positions with effect from November 29, 2024. 

Markus Kapaun remains a Member of the Group Management Board and CFO. 

Jumana Al-Sibai, responsible to date for the “Thermal Management” business unit, will remain a Member of the Group Management Board, responsible for “Thermal and Fluid Systems” in the future. It has been mutually agreed with the previous Management Board Member responsible for the merged business unit of “Filtration and Engine Peripherals”, Martin Weidlich, that his work for the company will end. He has resigned from his positions with effect from November 29, 2024. 

Georg Dietz, responsible to date for the “Engine Systems and Components” business unit, will remain a Member of the Management Board, responsible for “Powertrain and Charging” in the future. Martin Wellhoeffer, responsible for the merged “Electronics and Mechatronics” business unit, will transfer to the “Thermal and Fluid Systems” business unit as Chief Operating Officer (COO). 

Supervisory Board thanks leaving Board Members

Prof. Dr. Heinz K. Junker, Chairman of the MAHLE Supervisory Board, who developed the new group structure in close cooperation with CEO Arnd Franz, said: “On behalf of the MAHLE supervisory bodies, I would like to thank the Management Board Members Dr. Beate Bungartz and Martin Weidlich, who are now leaving the group, for their excellent and dedicated work. In his five years with MAHLE, Martin Weidlich has performed great services both for the “Filtration and Engine Peripherals” business unit and in his group responsibility for operational excellence, production and purchasing. Over the past two years, Dr. Beate Bungartz has successfully continued the development of our human resources organization and has initiated the transformation dialog with employee representatives in Germany. Dr. Beate Bungartz and Martin Weidlich have my best wishes for their personal lives and careers in the future. 

Equally, the supervisory bodies and I would like to thank Martin Wellhoeffer for his considerable commitment as a Management Board member. Under his leadership for almost two years, the “Electronics and Mechatronics” business unit has significantly expanded the competences of MAHLE in the fields of efficient electric drive systems and intelligent charging. We are convinced that Martin Wellhoeffer will forge ahead with the operational excellence and transformation as COO of what is to be our largest business unit in the future.”