Klüber Lubrication names Sammer new CEO as Langgartner retires

Specialty lubricants manufacturer Klüber Lubrication has appointed company veteran Dr. Wolfgang Sammer as its new chief executive officer effective January 1, 2024.

Sammer succeeds Claus Langgartner, who retired on December 31 after serving 25 years as CEO and executive vice president of sales and marketing.

Klüber’s supervisory board selected Sammer as Langgartner’s successor based on his innovative thinking, strategic vision and leadership abilities steering the firm into its next growth phase.

Sammer brings over 20 years of experience across roles spanning Klüber Lubrication. He most recently directed Eastern European and Austrian operations as the regional manager and general manager of sales and marketing.

Earlier global postings included heading business development and product management from its headquarters in Munich, Germany. Sammer began his career at Klüber Lubrication in 2002 as a junior product manager.

In a statement, Langgartner expressed confidence in Sammer positioning Klüber for continued success through its specialisation in efficiency-boosting and sustainable lubricants applications.

Sammer echoed embracing the opportunity to play a leading role advancing Klüber’s legacy as solutions targeting enhanced energy savings and lowered emissions via precision tribology take increased prominence.

Parent group Freudenberg Chemical Specialties, a division of the Freudenberg Group, praised Langgartner’s illustrious tenure elevating Klüber into an elite global specialty lubrication solutions provider.

It highlighted achievements around consolidating market leadership and sustainability improvements cementing Klüber as an innovator delivering differentiated value to equipment manufacturers and industrial end users.

Klüber Lubrication is commemorating its 95th anniversary in 2024. Founded in Munich in 1929, it operates dedicated production facilities and sales offices supporting over 2,400 employees spanning the globe.

The company serves practically all major machinery sectors through custom lubricant development aligning with specific application requirements and operating conditions.

Industry analysts expect Klüber’s specialisation and service reputation to enable navigating growing equipment efficiency demands alongside evolving regulatory and sustainability pressures.