It is with great sadness that we hereby have to inform you about the demise of our dear friend, mentor, former CEO and chairman of the supervisory board, Dr. Thomas Klinger-Lohr.
After a longer period of troubled health Thomas passed away at his family home on October 10, 2019.
His early passing will leave a void among us. Conservative yet progressive and lasting entrepreneurship paired with a thorough understanding of engineering processes as well as an empowering leadership style are only some of the characteristics for which he will be fondly remembered.
Taking the helm of the KLINGER Group in 1984 as the 4th generation, Thomas Klinger-Lohr was instrumental in the development of KLINGER’s non-asbestos sealing portfolio, to which at a later stage graphite and PTFE materials were added. Other milestones in his career included the further internationalization of the Group, especially in the southern hemisphere as well as the merger of KLINGER’s automotive activities with ELRING (now forming the stock-listed ELRING-KLINGER group of companies).
He was an “all hands on deck” person. Engaged, modest, loyal. This combination left a mark not only on his business partners and competitors but also on his family. Married for 47 years, father of two and grandfather of four, he always strived for agreement rather than conflict. It is such wisdom and his humor that we will miss the most.
Farewell, Thomas, we shall always keep you close to our hearts. Our thoughts during these days are with your family, especially your wife Marita.
With sincere gratitude,
Daniel Schibli (CEO), Dr. Christoph Klinger-Lohr (CEO), Mag. Peter Müller (CFO)
