Rieter has announced a change in its executive leadership. Thomas Oetterli will step down as CEO on October 31, 2026. He will then hand over the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Daniel Lippuner will become CEO of Rieter on November 1, 2026. Carl Illi will serve as Chairman of the Board until the company’s Annual General Meeting on April 14, 2027.
Thomas Oetterli to Step Down as CEO
Thomas Oetterli has decided to leave his position as CEO after completing several key initiatives at Rieter.
These include the implementation of the Next Level performance programme, structural measures to consolidate company sites and the acquisition of Barmag.
“After the successful implementation of the Next Level performance program, the structural measures initiated to consolidate the sites and the acquisition of Barmag, the time has come to hand over responsibility to new hands,” said Thomas Oetterli.
The separation of the CEO and Chairman roles had been planned since Oetterli took office.
Rieter’s Board of Directors thanked Oetterli for his contribution to the company’s strategic and operational development.
Daniel Lippuner Named New CEO
Daniel Lippuner will take over as CEO on November 1, 2026.
Lippuner brings international leadership experience and knowledge of the textile machinery and components industry.
He previously served as CEO of the Saurer Group and as Head of Oerlikon Textile Components. In these roles, he worked across areas including spinning machinery, yarn processing and textile components.
Lippuner is also Chairman of the Board and co-owner of Heberlein Technology. Through this role, he has remained connected to the chemical fiber industry.
His experience covers:
- Business transformation
- Textile technology
- Quality management
- Operational leadership
- Asian markets
- Textile machinery and components
These areas are relevant to Rieter as the company operates in short-staple fiber machinery and has expanded into man-made fiber technology.
Carl Illi to Serve as Chairman
Carl Illi will assume the role of Chairman of Rieter’s Board of Directors until the next Annual General Meeting on April 14, 2027.
Illi has been a member of Rieter’s Board of Directors since 2017. He also brings experience in the textile industry.
The company said the leadership structure will support the next phase of its development.
Rieter Expands Into Man-Made Fibers
Rieter completed the acquisition of Barmag in February 2026.
The acquisition expanded Rieter’s traditional business in short-staple fibers into the man-made fibers segment.
According to Rieter, the transaction strengthens the Group’s focus on technology leadership. It also creates additional growth opportunities and expands the basis for digital solutions in the textile industry.
The acquisition gives Rieter a broader position across the textile value chain.
Upcoming Rieter Dates
Rieter has also announced the following upcoming dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Investor Update 2026 | October 28, 2026 |
| Results Press Conference 2027 | February 24, 2027 |
| Deadline for AGM Agenda Proposals | March 3, 2027 |
| Annual General Meeting 2027 | April 14, 2027 |
| Semi-Annual Report 2027 | July 20, 2027 |
| Investor Update 2027 | October 27, 2027 |
The leadership change will take effect as Rieter continues to integrate its expanded man-made fiber business and focus on textile technology, operational development and digital solutions.