MUNICH—In support of its growth strategy, KraussMaffei has chosen Michael Ruf to fill the newly created role of chief operating officer, effective April 1. He joins KraussMaffei from Contintenal A.G., where he was executive vice president of the commercial vehicles and aftermarket business unit.
In his new role, Ruf will lead KraussMaffei's business segments, global procurement, facility management and business excellence department. He also is tasked with implementing the company's "Compass" strategy, which focuses on digitalization within the company, and will be responsible for U.S. subsidiary KraussMaffei Corp. as well as location development projects in Germany.
According to the machinery supplier, the creation of the COO position is part of its growth strategy that aims to see the company entering new market segments for new machine series. It also hopes expand its global presence, particularly in China, and develop its digital products/services portfolio.
Ruf will serve on KraussMaffei's executive committee, joining CEO Frank Stieler, Chief Financial Officer Harald Nippel, and the heads of the company's four business segments.