As announced today by SUSS MicroTec Frank Averdung will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer of SUSS MicroTec AG effective starting February 1, 2009. The Company's Supervisory Board appointed Mr. Averdung to the Management Board of SUSS MicroTec AG in November 2008. Mr. Averdung was originally to take over his duties as Chief Executive Officer beginning June 1, 2009. The former Managing Director of Carl Zeiss SMS GmbH will thus take office four months earlier than planned.
In his position, the graduate electrical engineer will be responsible for the areas of sales, marketing, production and corporate strategy.
“We are pleased that Frank Averdung is able to assume the position of Chief Executive Officer early. His extensive industry and marketing experience will be invaluable to the strategic advancement of the Company. We are convinced that Mr. Averdung is the right person to successfully lead the SUSS MicroTec Group to the next level of development in the coming growth period,” remarked Dr. Franz Richter, Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
Christian Schubert, who took temporary office on October 2, 2008, will remain on the Management Board until the end of his appointment on May 31, 2009 and will primarily address the continued optimization of the management of purchasing and procurement as well as materials.
“2009 will not be an easy year for the SUSS MicroTec Group. The global economic crisis has already left its mark on the semiconductor industry. I am nevertheless confident that with the solid foundation of our leading technological product portfolio and timely introduction of cost-reduction measures, we are well positioned to successfully master this challenge,” explained Frank Averdung, Chief Executive Officer of SUSS MicroTec AG, on assuming his position.