Gurit Appoints Viktor Bernhardt as New Chief Financial Officer

Gurit Holding AG has appointed Viktor Bernhardt as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective December 1, 2025. The German national will succeed Javier Perez-Freije, whose departure was previously announced for the end of November 2025. The appointment signals Gurit's strategic focus on strengthening its financial leadership as the company navigates global market dynamics in the composite materials industry.

Bernhardt brings more than 25 years of international finance and leadership experience to the role, having held senior positions across multinational corporations, private equity portfolio companies, and family-owned businesses. His extensive background in corporate transformation, restructuring, merger and acquisition execution, and strategic growth positions him to play a critical role in Gurit's financial strategy and overall success. The appointment comes at a time when specialized composite material companies face increasing pressure to optimize operations and pursue strategic growth opportunities.

The new CFO holds a degree in Business Administration from TA Wuppertal in Germany and completed executive education at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. Most recently, Bernhardt served as CFO of the KWC Group, bringing practical experience in financial management to Gurit's executive team. His international background aligns with Gurit's global operations, which include production sites and offices across 13 countries including Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, and the United States.

Bernhardt expressed enthusiasm about joining Gurit, stating he looks forward to collaborating with the team to drive strong financial performance and contribute meaningfully to the company's long-term success. The appointment reflects Gurit's commitment to maintaining strong financial leadership during a period of potential market expansion and technological advancement in composite materials.

CEO Tobias Luhrig acknowledged the contribution of outgoing CFO Javier Perez-Freije while welcoming Bernhardt to the executive team. The leadership transition occurs as Gurit continues to supply global growth markets including the wind turbine industry, marine applications, and building sectors. The company's specialization in advanced composite materials, composite tooling equipment, and core kitting services positions it in several high-growth industrial segments where financial expertise is crucial for capitalizing on market opportunities.

The CFO appointment holds significance for investors and industry observers tracking the composite materials sector, particularly as companies like Gurit navigate supply chain challenges, raw material costs, and evolving demand patterns across their diverse customer base. Bernhardt's experience in corporate transformation and M&A execution suggests Gurit may be positioning itself for potential strategic moves or operational restructuring to enhance competitiveness. More information about Gurit's operations and financial performance can be found at https://www.gurit.com.