Ink World staff11.13.20
In a year-long transition designed to provide smooth continuity and maintain its strong growth and partnerships with its customers, Koenig & Bauer (US/CA) announced that Kilian Renschler, its current executive VP of sales, has been named the new CEO and president.
After 11 years at the helm of Koenig & Bauer (US/CA), Mark Hischar will be officially retiring as of Dec. 31, 2020.
"Kilian takes the reins at a time of strong, sustained performance, and we believe he has demonstrated the ability to continue Mark’s innovative vision and impressive holistic management style,” said Claus Bolza-Schünemann, CEO of the Koenig & Bauer Group. “As a seasoned executive, he has the perfect mix of skills and experience to drive the company's continued success and lead us forward delivering strong financial and operational results, business development, and most important of all, providing the industry’s best customer experience.”
Renschler, who recently moved to the Dallas area with his family, will continue Hischar’s strong leadership among its North American divisions, which includes sheetfed, web, digital, flexography, post-press, and specialty printing. By handing the baton from one executive to the other, the firm is displaying its strong 203-year history of stability and dedication to its customers.
“In consultation with the board of directors and Claus Bolza-Schünemann, I made the decision to retire a little over a year ago in order to assure a continuity in our company leadership,” said Hischar. “By taking the time for a smooth transition, Kilian has been able to integrate into our company on all levels and to learn about our customers’ needs first-hand.
"He has worked closely with our sales and service teams across the company. I am quite confident that our customers will see a seamless transition as Kilian continues to execute our strategy and deliver superior results that they have come to expect.”
With more than 30 years of experience in the graphic arts industry, Renschler joined Koenig & Bauer in the fall of 2019 and spent considerable time at all manufacturing facilities to fully grasp the breadth of technologies Koenig & Bauer offers the printing industry.
Hischar joined Koenig & Bauer in 2009.
Under his guidance, the North American division began to use his holistic philosophy of engaging all members of the firm, from the CEO to finance, sales, and service, all to better serve the customer.
“I'm thrilled and honored to be leading this incredible company,” said Renschler. “Working alongside our talented team here in North America, I am committed to upholding Koenig & Bauer’s rich 203-year-old heritage of serving its customers. As a leading printing press manufacturer known for its innovative technology and open architecture, I am energized by this appointment and look forward to working with our customers as they choose what’s best for their long-term goals and overall profitability, as a partner with Koenig & Bauer (US/CA)."
“On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank and recognize Mark for his wisdom and leadership,” added Bolza-Schünemann. “He made an indelible mark on our business here in North America, providing strong guidance, a commitment to our customers, leadership, and new ideas as we maintained our strong growth. We are saddened to see him retire but we wish him and his family all the best.”