CECIMO elects Hans-Martin Schneeberger as new president

Succeeding in this role Dr Roland Feichtl, Dr Hans-Martin Schneeberger has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the European Association that represents more than a third of the world machine tool (MT) production.

In a highly competitive and uncertain global market, CECIMO and its members have to convey, to both the national and European institutions, the clear message that industry is vital for the future development of Europe. “The machine tool sector” he said “can contribute to the health of the European industry by shaping the next EU regulatory initiatives and policies”. Given that the world is evolving around three dimensions of sustainability (sustainability of economy, environment and society), CECIMO can play a crucial role in today’s challenges like circular economy and digitalisation. We can help defining standards on new technologies based on our values and ethics, such is the case of Artificial Intelligence. “Europe must lead the race on global standards at the international level, so that our regulations set the example for others to come”.

The new President made also clear that the European Institutions should value the role of industries like ours in drafting pivotal dossiers. On Artificial Intelligence, the EU representatives should broaden their view and value different perspectives, not only the one of big tech companies. “In many cases, these companies are suppliers to our Industry, while we are the customers and therefore users. So why should the European Commission discuss relevant issues exclusively with the suppliers if they can have a well-founded discussion with the users?”. Under his presidency, CECIMO will be committed to be the voice of manufacturing in the definition of the digital single market.

The priorities of Dr Schneeberger are in line with the project of the next European Commission. Among others, Europe wants to set the right environment for digital networks and services to thrive and strengthen itself as responsible global leader. CECIMO will follow closely all the dossiers on the table, such as cybersecurity, trade agreements and Intellectual Property Rights, where we can give a valuable input.

Who is Dr Hans-Martin Schneeberger?

Dr Hans-Martin Schneeberger is a Swiss citizen born on 14 May 1955.

Dr Schneeberger has been serving as Chairman of the board of directors of Schneeberger Holding AG since 2003. Between 1993 and 2018, he was CEO of the company and between 1988 and 1993 Managing Director and Head of Marketing and Sales of Schneeberger AG. From 1985 until 1988, Dr Schneeberger was account and project manager within a European-based management consulting firm.

Since 2007 he has been member on the board of Klingelnberg AG, while from 2008 to 2018 served as board member of Unitectra AG. He was also chairman of the board of Unitectra AG between 2014 and 2018. Previously he chaired the board of Inspire AG.

He was a member of the board of Swissmem and for many years a delegate to CECIMO, the European Machine Tool Builders Association in Brussels.

Dr Schneeberger obtained a PhD from the Krannert Business School at Purdue University USA in 1984 and was Tenure Track Assistant Professor at The Ross Business School at the University of Michigan from 1984 to 1985. Before he received a BSc in Mechanical Engineering in Switzerland.

Dr. Schneeberger is married to Mahnaz Schneeberger, together they have three adult children.