Interview with Dr. Thorsten Kahlert
In October 2021, the Board of Directors of HOERBIGER appointed Dr. Thorsten Kahlert as CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board. Now, three years later, it is the right time for him to review and reflect on the path he has taken so far.
Mr. Kahlert, what achievements are you particularly proud of during your time as CEO?
Of course, I am proud of the financial success we’ve achieved as a company. Over the past three years, we have grown profitably by more than 40 percent – despite some extremely challenging external circumstances. However, I am especially proud of the fact that, at the same time, we have successfully advanced the transformation of the company. I can clearly feel a significant shift in the corporate culture.
How do you experience this transformation?
In the way we collaborate and interact with one another. We are more open, working together across departments toward common objectives, and pursuing the same goals as a unified team. I sense a tremendous energy and a clear sense of momentum – at all levels of the organization.
What makes HOERBIGER unique, in your view?
There are three key aspects that define HOERBIGER for me. First, we offer a very personal, almost familial environment where employees know each other well and often share close friendships. At the same time, we have an impressive global presence across all continents, comparable to the international reach of major corporations. Secondly, with our performance- defining products, we make a real difference for our customers by helping them to significantly improve the sustainability of their operations. This often results in great appreciation from our clients. And third, it’s the people at HOERBIGER. They are not only dedicated and ambitious but also pour their heart and soul into their work. They feel they can make a meaningful impact – and are always willing to go the extra mile to achieve it.
What has been the most challenging moment of your time at HOERBIGER so far
Without a doubt, it was the partial failure of our IT infrastructure earlier this year, caused by a third party gaining unauthorized access to our network. As a result, we experienced production disruptions at several locations. Although we were prepared for such scenarios, this situation really tested us to our limits. Interestingly, this experience also turned out to be the most remarkable moment I’ve had at HOERBIGER to date.
You will have to explain that to us here…
It was the way we dealt with this existential crisis that made me incredibly proud. You only really get to know people in a crisis. What I experienced during those summer weeks was unique in my view – a prime example of the HOERBIGER spirit. We rose to the challenge and kept HOERBIGER going with an extraordinary amount of energy, commitment and creativity. Whether on the Board of Directors, the Executive Board, the crisis management team and the IT team, in the production facilities, in the offices or in the field with customers – we could all count on each other in this critical situation. Our colleagues took responsibility and used all available resources to overcome the crisis and ensure that we were able to keep our promises to customers and suppliers.
Hand on heart: CEO is a stressful job. How do you personally deal with this stress?
I deliberately build breaks into my daily routine where I do sport. This is my way of recharging my batteries and clearing my head. These regular breaks help me to take a step back and reflect on things. I purposely keep the weekend free. And I also try to incorporate regular phases in which I don’t think about my job and can completely switch off. In addition – and this gives me an incredible amount of energy – I take every opportunity to visit our HOERBIGER locations. I always find it extremely inspiring to spend time with our teams and customers around the world.
“We are open, working together across departments toward common objectives, and pursuing the same goals as a unified team. I sense a tremendous energy and a clear sense of momentum – at all levels of the organization.”
HOERBIGER Holding AG
About Thorsten Kahlert
Dr. Thorsten Kahlert studied and earned his doctorate at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) in Paris, and the University of Minnesota. In 2004, he joined the Boston Consulting Group, where he worked in various roles and countries within the international consulting business. In 2017, he moved to HOERBIGER, taking on the leadership of the Safety Business Unit. Two years later, in 2019, Dr. Kahlert was appointed to the Executive Board of HOERBIGER, where he took responsibility for the Safety, Engine, Automotive Hydraulics, and Electronics units. In October 2021, he was appointed CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of HOERBIGER Holding AG. At the same time, he assumed operational responsibility for the Rotary, Engine, and Safety Business Units. In 2024, he handed over the leadership of these Business Units to Dr. Christian Habicht.