Germany-based ProGlove, a global pioneer in wearable scanner solutions for innovating human-centred productivity, which also has an office in Coventry, has appointed Stefan Lampa as its new CEO. He previously held executive management positions at large renowned industry leaders such as ABB, KUKA Roboter and Cargotec. With more than 30 years in the industry, the experienced CEO will continue ProGlove’s international growth path. He took up the role on 1 March, succeeding Andreas Koenig, who steps down for personal reasons.

Ken Allen, chairman of the board at ProGlove, said: “We are very pleased that Stefan Lampa will become our new CEO. Stefan has a clear vision, promotes a collaborative work culture, and is committed to driving innovation as the key prerequisite for our business success. This makes him the perfect match to continue Andreas Koenig’s inspiring leadership, which has taken the company from a start-up to a fast-scaling company.”

Mr Lampa said: “ProGlove is superbly positioned to address some of the key topics many traditional industry organisations are struggling with. Digitalisation and human-machine collaboration are just two examples. What really gets me excited about ProGlove, though, is the young, energetic team. This reminds me of the pioneer spirit I experienced during the early days of industry robotics. To be successful in our targeted market we will need to generate value for our customers. At ProGlove, I see the commitment, dedication and agility to put ourselves in our customers’ shoes and design the solutions that will make a difference for them.”

Mr Lampa has a background in mechanical engineering and gained significant experience in the areas of digitalisation and industry 4.0; both became a focus of his leadership. Before joining ProGlove, he was president at Cargotec Corporation where he drove forward a transformational strategy to turn the traditional heavy logistics equipment supplier into a technology leader based on electrification, robotics and a digital offering.

As CEO of KUKA Roboter, he refocused the robotics maker to include the general industry market as a complement to its existing automotive business. He also established a new corporate culture that hinges on a collaborative and international approach. Mr Lampa’s extensive executive management experience also includes 23 years with ABB, including six years as global head of robotics and applications.

Andreas Näsvik, partner and head of industrial and business services at Nordic Capital Advisors, and board member of ProGlove, said: “Stefan’s track record speaks for itself. At Cargotec, he not only improved the profitability, but helped streamline the company. At KUKA Roboter, he delivered the best financial results of any KUKA company ever to date in 2017 and 2018. His remarkable accomplishments also include the turnaround and comeback of ABB Robotics during 2011-2015.

“While these are certainly the things that impressed the board of ProGlove and Nordic Capital, as the owner of ProGlove, it was just as important to find somebody who will continue the splendid work of Andreas Koenig. Needless to say, we are certain that Stefan with his excellent communications and participative work approach is a perfect fit for ProGlove and that he will take this organisation to the next level.”