With AI a key focus for the group, last week’s AGM kicked off with a video featuring an AI-generated avatar of outgoing CEO Dr Andreas Pleßke, who has now handed the reins to successor Dr Stephen Kimmich who becomes chairman of the executive board.
Kimmich said he had five strategic priorities: a clear focus on go-to-market, strengthening K&B’s competitiveness and resilience, expanding intelligence through AI initiatives, and “consistently developing the customer-first approach”.
He commented: “The 100th Annual General Meeting marks a milestone – and a new chapter. I am ready for it.”
Koenig & Bauer described AI as “a key component running through all functions and organisational units”. It is using AI tech to optimise internal processes, and said that AI would also actively shape the future of printing and packaging.
The group showcased a connected packaging application from Koenig & Bauer Kyana at the event.
Pleßke officially retires on 31 December and will handle special projects over the coming months.
Koenig & Bauer had sales of €1.27bn (£1.07bn) last year. It is projecting sales of €1.4bn-€1.5bn this year and an operating EBIT margin of 5%-6%, despite “difficult and uncertain global economic and geopolitical conditions”.
