25.06.2023
Felix Kleinert: "It's not just about short-term incoming orders, sales and earnings"
A quarter of a century as CEO of NETZSCH Pumps & Systems: Felix Kleinert has experienced several highs and lows in his leadership role with the global specialist in handling complex media. After almost 25 years, Kleinert is heading off into a well-deserved retirement.
In the interview, he talks about the past years since he started in 1999, the future of NETZSCH, and his personal retirement plans.
Thinking back to your first day, could you have imagined staying with NETZSCH for so long?
I still remember when Thomas Netzsch and I signed the contract in Selb, and he predicted a long cooperation time. I had already been with my previous employer for nine years and, therefore, couldn't imagine staying with one company for much longer. At that time, I felt a managing director should change at least every ten years – but I was proven wrong. I have broadened my knowledge over the years, and it was great.
Kleinert: “We can all be proud of this”
„In cooperation with our licensee Heishin in Japan, we also increased our world market share in the progressing cavity pump sector from 20 to over 40 percent.“
How has the company developed since you started?
The business unit Pumps & Systems faced difficult times when I joined in 1999. At that time, we employed around 1,000 people in ten sales companies. Today, there are about 2,500 in almost 30 sales companies worldwide. In addition, we increased the turnover from 70 million Euros worldwide and a zero result to no less than 400 million Euros with an excellent result. In cooperation with our licensee Heishin in Japan, we also increased our world market share in the progressing cavity pump sector from 20 to over 40 percent. This was only possible thanks to the employee's and management's joint solid effort. We can all be proud of this.
Memories from almost 25 years of NETZSCH Pumps & Systems
What do you remember most about the past 25 years?
I always like to think back to Thomas Netzsch, who passed away much too soon. When I approached him and presented a larger project, he would ask about the costs, the value for the company and how long it would take first. After my answers, he would usually agree with me, adding that it could be done a little faster.
Who has influenced you the most during your time at NETZSCH?
During our time together, I was mainly influenced by Thomas Netzsch, with his winning personality and Prof. Michael Gaitanides, with his comprehensive knowledge as our mutual friend.
What distinguishes NETZSCH from other comparable companies?
It's the long-term vision of the company. At NETZSCH, it's not just about short-term incoming orders, sales and earnings but also long-term strategic orientation. In this regard, people at NETZSCH have more endurance. That's important because only a few things always work out as quickly as you thought they would in the original planning.
Kleinert: “We will further expand and still have enough space to grow”
NETZSCH has undoubtedly grown on you over the years. What do you wish the company for the future?
We have increased our world market share in the progressing cavity pump sector to over 40 percent. We may reach 50 percent someday, but certainly only a little more. Because with about 100 competitors worldwide, every percentage point of market share gaining is becoming more complex. Therefore, a new business model has been developed in recent years. We aim to become the global expert in conveying complex fluids, offering various technological solutions and services to the world market. With this strategy, we will further expand and still have enough space to grow. Even though this path will be challenging, I am confident that my successor, Andreas Denker, can provide significant impulses with his diverse experience, especially in marketing and sales. Together with the global pump management team, he will lead the globally active business unit Pumps & Systems to further success.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
I look forward to more time with my wife, our children and grandchildren, more time for the house, the farm and the dog, and to private trips without time pressure because of a business trip. But I am also looking forward to further professional challenges as a member of the supervisory and advisory boards of currently three respectable industrial companies. In addition, a fourth mandate is just on the horizon. According to the plan, my future will be a mixture of professional activities and more time for private things, especially with my wife and people close to me - I am already looking forward to the future!
