Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has announced that Gerd Liebig (55) is taking over as the new CEO on January 1st, 2017. He will succeed Dr. Tetsuya Okamura (60) who has accepted a new position within Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

Dr. Okamura was selected as CEO of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag in 2008. He leaves behind a financially strong company with a clear strategic focus on its core competences in production and product portfolio. During his tenure, the company invested heavily in production sites – most recently in new machines for production at the site in Schwaig – and in the expansion of subsidiaries.  

“Under Dr. Tetsuya Okamura’s management production efficiency has been clearly increased. The product portfolio has been consequently brought in line with the demands of the target markets thus strengthening our position,” said Kazuo Hiraoka, General Manager of Plastics Machinery Division Sumitomo Heavy Industries in Chiba, Japan.

The new CEO, Gerd Liebig has worked in the injection molding industry for more than 25 years. He spent 15 years at Demag Plastics Group, which was acquired by Sumitomo in 2007, as marketing director and later chief strategic marketing officer, but left in 2006 to become head of marketing at Engel, the Austrian injection molding machinery maker. He returned to Sumitomo (SHI) Demag as CSO on April 1st, 2015.

“Since he joined the company Gerd Liebig consequently set the focus on being innovative. He inspired employees and customers by being such a competent, convincing and exhilarant

person. Gerd Liebig is having a considerable part in the company’s distinctive growth during the last year. The market shares in all strategic market segments increased considerably,” said Dr. Tetsuya Okamura in a statement released by the company.  

“I am convinced to give Sumitomo (SHI) Demag into good hands when handing over the business to the new Managing Board.”

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag sees considerable potential for developing synergies in production strategy and in sales and service. “With CTO Andreas Schramm, we will continue to set the company on the way to internationalism and to further incorporate our activities with Sumitomo’s Plastics Machinery Division and Headquarters in Japan,” said Liebig.

“We focus on non-complicated, standardized and economic solutions for injection molding machines and applications. Our sales and service teams support our customers fast and competent – all around the globe,” he added.

“We have the vision to be the first choice as a partner for customers worldwide looking for a solution in the injection molding process.”