Swiss textile machinery manufacturer Rieter has announced the appointment of Daniel Lippuner as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2026.
The leadership transition follows the decision of current CEO Thomas Oetterli to step down on October 31, 2026, and hand over his responsibilities, including the chairmanship of the company’s Board of Directors. The separation of the CEO and Board Chairman roles had been planned since Oetterli took office.
Leadership Transition & Board Governance
To maintain distinct governance structures, long-standing Board member Carl Illi will serve as Chairman of Rieter’s Board of Directors until the next Annual General Meeting on April 14, 2027. Illi has been a member of the Board since 2017 and brings extensive textile industry expertise to the role.
Outgoing CEO Thomas Oetterli noted that his departure comes following key operational milestones:
“After the successful implementation of the Next Level performance program, the structural measures initiated to consolidate the sites and the acquisition of Barmag, the time has come to hand over responsibility to new hands.”
Extensive Industry Experience
Daniel Lippuner brings deep international leadership experience and technical industry expertise across spinning machinery, yarn processing, and textile components:
- Saurer Group: Former CEO.
- Oerlikon Textile Components: Former Head of Division.
- Heberlein Technology: Former Chairman of the Board and co-owner, maintaining close ties with the chemical fiber sector.
Lippuner’s expertise in business transformation, operational leadership, quality management, and Asian markets will be crucial as Rieter shifts beyond its core short-staple fiber business.
Strategic Expansion into Synthetic Fibers
Rieter’s market orientation evolved following its acquisition of Barmag in February 2026. The transaction expanded the company’s portfolio beyond traditional short-staple cotton fibers into the growing man-made fibers segment.
According to Rieter, the addition of Barmag strengthens its technological foundation, opens secondary growth channels, and provides a broader operational base to advance digital and automated solutions across the textile value chain.
