Rieter Announces Leadership Change As Thomas Oetterli Steps Down As CEO
Rieter has announced a change in its leadership, with Thomas Oetterli stepping down as CEO effective October 31, 2026, and handing over the Chairmanship of the Board of Directors. Daniel Lippuner will take over as CEO from November 1, 2026.
Oetterli said the decision follows the successful implementation of Rieter’s Next Level performance programme, structural measures to consolidate the company’s sites and the acquisition of Barmag. “After the successful implementation of the Next Level performance program, the structural measures initiated to consolidate the sites and the acquisition of Barmag, the time has come to hand over responsibility to new hands,” he said.
The separation of the CEO and Chairman positions had been planned since Oetterli took office. Rieter’s Board of Directors thanked him for his commitment and contribution to the company’s strategic and operational development, noting that the measures initiated are expected to strengthen the Group’s competitiveness and provide a foundation for benefiting from a future market recovery.
Lippuner brings extensive international leadership experience and expertise in textile machinery and components. He previously served as CEO of the Saurer Group and Head of Oerlikon Textile Components, where he led businesses covering spinning machinery, yarn processing and textile components. He is also Chairman of the Board and co-owner of Heberlein Technology, maintaining a connection with the man-made fibre industry.
His experience in business transformation, technology, quality management, operational leadership and Asian markets is particularly relevant to Rieter as the company expands beyond its traditional short-staple fibre business.
Carl Illi will assume the position of Chairman of Rieter’s Board of Directors until the company’s next Annual General Meeting on April 14, 2027. Illi has served on Rieter’s Board since 2017 and has extensive expertise in the textile industry.
Rieter’s acquisition of Barmag in February 2026 expanded its traditional focus on short-staple fibre systems into the man-made fibre segment. The acquisition has broadened the Group’s technology portfolio, opened additional growth opportunities and created a wider platform for developing digital solutions for the textile industry.
