Freudenberg Sealing chief technology officer set to retire

WEINHEIM, Germany—Theodore Duclos, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies' chief technology officer is retiring, closing the book on a 25-year career with the company.

Duclos, who has served in a number of roles at Freudenberg in his tenure, will remain a senior advisor at the company, specifically with its newly formed e-Power Systems Business Group.

His retirement will take effect June 30.

"Dr. Duclos distinguished himself as both an exceptional chief technology officer and as a visionary, yet practical, manufacturing executive throughout his Freudenberg career," CEO Claus Mohlenkamp said in a statement. "His support for lean systems, flexible manufacturing and core technology and innovation programs has contributed to Freudenberg's success as a future-oriented, global sealing specialist."

Duclos was hired by Freudenberg Group in 1996 as corporate technology director for Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies in Plymouth, Mich.

His legacy will be felt in the materials development space, as he was instrumental in establishing "world-class" testing labs in Plymouth, the company said in a May 23 release.

He ascended to CTO of Freudenberg-NOK in 2001; was promoted to vice president of operations and technologies in 2004; and became general manager of the radial shaft seal segment after that.

Immediately prior to becoming CTO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies in 2016, he served as president of Freudenberg-NOK.

Duclos obtained degrees in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and a master's degree and PhD in biomedical engineering from Duke University.

Duclos remains a sought-after lecturer at conferences and industry events, according to the company.

"Dr. Duclos has been particularly influential in driving Freudenberg Sealing Technologies' transformation into a leading supplier of products and solutions for electrified powertrains and in the development of the battery and fuel cell systems for heavy-duty commercial vehicles," Mohlenkamp said. "His early advocacy and implementation of systems such as one-piece flow and digitalization on the shop floor have helped establish a nimble manufacturing environment in which Freudenberg can quickly respond to customers' e-mobility requirements and challenges.

"We thank him for his contributions to the success of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies."

Matthias Sckuhr, chief operating officer of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, will become CTO of the company starting July 1, Freudenberg said.

With the recent shuffle in positions, Sckuhr, Mohlenkamp and Ludger Neuwinger-Heimes now make up the Management Board at Freudenberg S.E.