French automotive components giant Forvia has named Martin Fischer as its new CEO, effective 1 March 2025.
Fischer, formerly a member of the management board at ZF Group, will take over from Patrick Koller.
The transition will begin with Fischer joining as deputy CEO on 6 December, as confirmed by Forvia's board of directors.
This period will serve as a preparatory phase before he officially assumes the role of CEO.
Fischer's career in the automotive arena commenced at Siemens VDO in 1998, followed by a stint at HELLA, where he led the American Electronics business through a transformation starting in 2007.
He also worked at BorgWarner, where he managed the turbocharger business across Europe and South America before ascending to the strategy board as president of Transmission Systems.
As a member of the Board of management from 2019 to 2024, he spearheaded ZF Group’ growth across various divisions including passive safety, active safety, chassis systems, and electronics and ADAS.
Additionally, he was responsible for the North and South American regions and led corporate Quality initiatives.
Fischer stated: "I am deeply honoured to join Forvia. From pioneering innovative solutions that push the boundaries to implementing sustainable practices that set new industry standards, the company has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence.
“I look forward to leading this forward-thinking organisation, driving strategic initiatives, and contributing to the success of Forvia.
“I also look forward to a productive transition with Patrick Koller, whom I thank for his guidance."
Koller, the outgoing CEO, is not departing the company's leadership entirely as he will continue to serve on Forvia's Board of Directors until the end of his term at annual general meeting scheduled for 28 May 2025.
It is at this juncture that the Board intends to recommend Fischer's appointment as a Board Member to the shareholders.
Koller stated: “With the support of the board of directors and the dedication of a highly talented team, Forvia has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a leader in its markets. We have not only expanded our international footprint but also embraced groundbreaking, sustainable technologies delivering value to our clients.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Forvia teams for their great achievements. Forvia is now well-positioned to leverage its global reach, strong customer relationships, and technological offerings.
“I will support Martin Fischer throughout this transition, ensuring a seamless and successful handover."
In October, Forvia reported a mixed bag of sales results, with overall third quarter sales down 2.6% on last year at €6.4bn.
Forvia expects sales of between €26.8bn and €27.2bn in 2024, with operating margin between 5.0% and 5.3%.
