Eriez® Announces Jaisen Kohmuench as New President and CEO

Eriez®, a leading global provider of separation technologies, has announced the appointment of Jaisen Kohmuench as President & CEO, effective from January 1, 2024. Kohmuench will succeed the current President & CEO, Lukas Guenthardt, who will be retiring at the end of 2023. This transition represents the culmination of a meticulously planned succession strategy, with Kohmuench collaborating closely with Guenthardt and the Eriez Board of Directors to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities. Richard Merwin, Chairman of the Board, expresses profound appreciation for the outgoing President & CEO, stating, "Lukas has played an instrumental role in propelling the company’s transformative growth, fostering innovation, and achieving remarkable success during his tenure. Under his visionary leadership, Eriez attained record revenues and fortified its global market presence.” Following a thorough selection process considering both internal and external candidates, Kohmuench emerged as the clear choice to succeed Guenthardt, according to Merwin. With over two decades of dedicated service to Eriez, Kohmuench has held various executive-level positions within the organisation, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. Kohmuench's journey at Eriez has seen him progress from his initial role in research and development as a process engineer to overseeing and expanding the U.S. Flotation group. He subsequently assumed an expatriate role as Managing Director for Eriez-Australia before returning to the U.S. to oversee all of Eriez' international businesses as Vice-President of International and then Chief Operating Officer. Merwin observes, "Jaisen's career trajectory reflects a unique blend of technical and financial responsibilities that have moulded him into the versatile and accomplished leader he is today." Throughout his tenure at Eriez, Kohmuench has played a pivotal role in shaping global business strategies and driving profitable growth in magnetic, flotation, and service operations. His depth of expertise is evidenced by his prolific authorship of numerous technical papers and contributions as an inventor with over a dozen patents. Kohmuench's academic accomplishments include earning bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Mining and Minerals Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Merwin underscores Kohmuench's embodiment of the company's core mission and values. His dedication to fostering a positive corporate culture and supporting community initiatives ensures Eriez' enduring impact, laying the groundwork for promising opportunities for future generations. He remarks, “Jaisen’s extensive technical and international experience, demonstrated leadership qualities, and philanthropic ethos will serve as a guiding force propelling Eriez into a prosperous future.” Merwin concludes, “We eagerly anticipate an exciting new era under Jaisen’s stewardship and extend our heartfelt appreciation to Lukas for his outstanding service.”