R. STAHL AG, a leading supplier of explosion protection products, has appointed Elke Eckstein as a new member of its Supervisory Board. The appointment was made by the Stuttgart Local Court at the request of the Executive Board, effective immediately. Eckstein succeeds Peter Leischner, who departed the board on September 15, 2026, after many years of service. The court appointment is valid until the end of the Annual General Meeting that resolves on the discharge of the Supervisory Board for the 2026 financial year. This ensures the Supervisory Board is once again fully staffed and remains completely able to act until a successor is elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
Elke Eckstein brings extensive experience as a senior executive in industrial companies, particularly in the semiconductor, electronics, and photonics sectors. She has held various roles on statutory supervisory boards and comparable international bodies, including positions at JENOPTIK AG, the Danish KK Group A/S, the Norwegian Saferoad SRH Holding AS, the Dutch BE Semiconductor Industries NV, and the Norwegian Norautron Group AS. Her background combines international industry experience with a sound understanding of technology and corporate governance, which she has demonstrated in challenging situations and demanding sectors.
Prof. Dr. Peter Hofmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of R. STAHL AG, welcomed Eckstein: “We warmly welcome Elke Eckstein to the Supervisory Board. She combines international industry experience with a sound understanding of technology and corporate governance and has successfully demonstrated her expertise in more challenging situations and demanding sectors. Elke Eckstein will provide valuable impetus for the further development of R. STAHL. At the same time, we thank Peter Leischner for his many years of commitment and our trusting cooperation.”
Tobias Popp, Executive Board member of R. STAHL AG, added, “We look forward to working with Elke Eckstein. Her experience will help us drive forward the transformation we have initiated and position R. STAHL for the future.”
R. STAHL is one of the world's leading suppliers of electrical and electronic products and systems for explosion protection. These products and systems prevent explosions in hazardous areas and contribute to the safety of people, machines, and the environment. The portfolio covers Electrical, Automation, and Lighting segments, complemented by the cross-divisional function Customer Solutions. Typical customers are the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, the oil and gas industry—including LNG applications—as well as the food and beverage industry. Most of R. STAHL’s products are also approved for use with hydrogen. In 2025, global sales amounting to around EUR 313 million were generated by 1,659 employees. The shares of R. STAHL AG are traded on the Regulated Market/Prime Standard of Deutsche Boerse (ISIN DE000A1PHBB5).
The appointment of Eckstein is significant for R. STAHL as it ensures continuity in governance during a period of transformation. Her expertise in technology and international supervisory roles is expected to support the company’s strategic initiatives. For more information, visit www.r-stahl.com or view the original release on www.newmediawire.com.
