Rieter Announces New Group Structure Ahead of 2026 Expansion

Rieter restructures operations to integrate new divisions and boost global competitiveness.

Rieter has unveiled a new Group structure effective January 2026, aligning its organization with the upcoming Barmag acquisition and strengthening technological leadership, customer focus, and operational efficiency.

Rieter has announced a new organizational structure in preparation for the planned acquisition of OC Oerlikon’s “Barmag” Division, a move that will position the company as the world’s leading solutions provider for both natural and man-made fiber systems. With regulatory approval expected by the fourth quarter of 2025, Rieter will implement a revised Group structure effective January 1, 2026, enabling the company to operate with greater agility and respond more effectively to evolving market dynamics.

As part of the organizational realignment, the Machines & Systems and After Sales Divisions will be integrated. Alexander Özbahadir will assume leadership of the newly formed “Short-Staple Fiber” Division, responsible for the short-staple business beginning January 1, 2026. This merger is expected to streamline sales and service operations and enhance customer focus through a more regionally aligned strategy.

Roger Albrecht will take charge of the “Components and Technology” Division, with a mandate to drive advanced technology development, strengthen innovation, and expand the company’s high-value components business. This restructuring will reinforce Rieter’s technological leadership and foster stronger collaboration between Rieter and its component brands—Accotex, Bräcker, Graf, Novibra, Suessen, SSM and Temco.

Serge Entleitner will step down from the Group Executive Committee effective December 31, 2025, while continuing to support key projects until his retirement in 2027. “Serge Entleitner has played a crucial role in developing the Components Division in recent years. We sincerely appreciate his outstanding commitment to Rieter’s success,” stated Thomas Oetterli, Chairman of the Board and CEO.

Following the completion of the Barmag acquisition, the “Man-Made Fiber” Division will be integrated into Rieter, led by Georg Stausberg, who will join the Group Executive Committee and report directly to the CEO.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Rieter Group Executive Board will include:
• Thomas Oetterli – Chief Executive Officer
• Oliver Streuli – Chief Financial Officer
• Emmanuelle Gmür – Chief Human Resources Officer
• Alexander Özbahadir – Head, Short-Staple Fiber Division
• Georg Stausberg (post-acquisition) – Head, Man-Made Fiber Division
• Roger Albrecht – Head, Components and Technology Division

This streamlined organizational model aims to enhance customer orientation, strengthen technological capabilities, improve productivity, and unlock synergies across business segments.

In response to the prolonged market downturn, Rieter is undertaking additional cost-reduction actions, including production capacity adjustments, supply chain simplification, and reduced overhead. One-time costs of CHF 30–35 million are expected, delivering savings of nearly CHF 30 million annually.