NEWS: Roto Group leadership shake-up sees familiar faces in new, critical roles

The Roto Group, a name synonymous with reliability and resilience in the glazing industry, is set to undergo a significant leadership transition at the close of August. Dr. Eckhard Keill, the 72-year-old Sole Director of Roto Frank Holding AG, will step down on August 31, 2025, after nearly two decades of dedicated service. His departure, described as being on the “best of terms” with the supervisory boards and family shareholders, marks a pivotal moment for the company.

Dr. Keill’s tenure began on August 1, 2005, when he joined the Roto Group as Chairman of the Board of Directors, simultaneously assuming the CEO role at Roto Frank Fenster- und Türtechnologie GmbH (Roto FTT). His influence has been profound, fostering an organisational development focused on continuity, a bedrock principle that has allowed the Roto Group to thrive even in challenging times. This ethos is reflected in the long-standing commitment of the majority of its managers.

In a move that underscores the family shareholders’ and supervisory boards’ commitment to this very continuity, Dr. Keill will transition to a significant role on the supervisory board of Roto Frank Holding AG. He will also retain his position on the supervisory boards of the three Roto Group divisions. Dr. Keill expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, “almost exactly 20 years after my first day at Roto, I feel a special connection to this company. I value the work of the supervisory boards and look forward to continuing to accompany the Group’s development. I would like to thank my colleagues on the supervisory board and the shareholders for their trust”.

Stepping into Dr. Keill’s shoes as the new CEO of Roto Frank Holding AG on September 1, 2025, will be Christoph Hugenberg, 59. Hugenberg is a familiar and respected figure within the Roto Group, currently serving as CEO of Roto Frank Dachsystem-Technologie GmbH (Roto DST). His promotion, following a previous management position at Roto FTT since 2007, further solidifies the shareholders’ unwavering desire for leadership continuity within the group. Dr. Keill himself lauded the appointment, noting: “I’m delighted that Christoph Hugenberg, a successful, well-established and well-connected executive within the Group, has been appointed as the new CEO of the holding company. The Roto brand stands for reliability. And reliability requires continuity in leadership”.

The ripple effect of these changes sees Dipl.-Ing. Jochen Frieß, 54, taking over from Hugenberg as the new CEO of Roto DST. Frieß’s career also exemplifies the theme of continuity and loyalty, having spent over two decades at the ebm-papst Group, where he rose through the ranks in Sales, Product Management, and Management, eventually being appointed to their Board of Directors in 2022. Hugenberg highlighted Frieß’s extensive experience and understanding of companies with values akin to Roto’s, stating that Frieß quickly grasped Roto DST’s unique profile. Both Dr. Keill and Hugenberg expressed confidence in Frieß’s ability to lead Roto DST as a reliable partner, praising him as an “authoritative and highly customer-orientated decision-maker”.

The leadership changes have been met with broad support from within the Roto Group. Marcus Sander, CEO of Roto FTT, who took over Dr. Keill’s duties at Roto FTT in May 2019, anticipates fruitful discussions with Frieß, especially given Frieß’s international experience in global business development. Dr. Christian Faden, Managing Director of Roto Frank Professional Services GmbH (RPS), emphasised the importance of stability for customers, particularly in the current climate, and expressed his delight at continuing to work with both Dr. Keill and Christoph Hugenberg. These strategic appointments underscore the Roto Group’s unwavering commitment to stability and continued growth, ensuring a future built on familiar faces and a steadfast dedication to its core values.

Why this matters: Dr. Eckhard Keill has been the face of Roto for many years and has led the company through periods of growth, challenges and success. Continuity is key, and the company has a strong succession plan that will help the firm continue its success into the future.