SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts AG, a Salzgitter-based developer and manufacturer of mission-critical mobile antenna mast systems for military and defense applications, is strengthening its operational leadership. The Supervisory Board has appointed Alexander Guntzel as Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Management Board effective November 16, 2026, with a term running until December 31, 2028. He succeeds Kai Oppermann, who will step down by mutual agreement with the Supervisory Board effective at the end of November 15, 2026.
The appointment comes as SMAG seeks to industrialize and scale its production processes to meet growing demand for sophisticated antenna mast systems used in defense and security applications. Guntzel brings more than 20 years of experience in industry and operational management of international manufacturing companies. Since 2022, he has worked for the investment firm AEQUITA, most recently as Director Operations, and concurrently served as Chief Operating Officer of the Willi Elbe Group. His expertise includes transforming industrial companies and establishing, ramping up, and further developing production sites.
As COO, Guntzel will be responsible for production and quality management, with a focus on scaling manufacturing, ensuring reliable production processes, and continuously enhancing quality management. Esra Himmel, Chair of the Supervisory Board, said: “With Alexander Guntzel, we are gaining a Management Board member with extensive operational experience and hands-on expertise in the industrialisation and scaling of complex production processes. Quality, reliability and the ability to deliver are crucial to our customers in the defense and security sectors.”
Ulrich Feindt, Chair of the Management Board, added: “Our antenna mast systems perform demanding tasks in mobile communications – particularly in defense and security applications. With Alexander Guntzel, we aim to further develop our industrial capabilities in a targeted manner and align our manufacturing with our customers’ requirements.” Feindt also thanked Kai Oppermann for his dedication and contribution to SMAG’s development.
The leadership change matters for the defense supply chain. SMAG, founded in 1974, generates substantially all of its net sales from defense and is a leading European specialist manufacturer of self-supporting, guy-wire-free mobile antenna mast systems for military applications. The company is a trusted partner to more than 50 defense primes, OEMs, and government agencies worldwide, including 15 NATO militaries, and employs approximately 170 people. As geopolitical tensions drive demand for reliable military communications equipment, SMAG’s ability to scale production and maintain quality is critical for its customers and for European defense readiness. Guntzel’s appointment signals a strategic emphasis on operational excellence to meet those demands.
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