Dr. Ottmar Pfänder to succeed Michael Schreyögg as Chief Program Officer
| Dr. Pfänder has been with MTU for 25 years and currently heads commercial programs
| As Chief Program Officer, he will receive a three-year contract starting January 1, 2026
| Michael Schreyögg ends his professional career at MTU after more than 35 years
Munich, August 4, 2025 | At its latest meeting, the Supervisory Board of MTU Aero Engines AG appointed Dr. Ottmar Pfänder as the company’s new Chief Program Officer. The 57-year-old will take up his new position on January 1, 2026. Within the Chief Program Officer‘s organization he is currently responsible for MTU‘s commercial engine programs. Prior to this, he headed the company‘s corporate strategy department, reporting directly to the CEO. As Chief Program Officer, he will succeed Michael Schreyögg, who is leaving MTU at his own request after more than 35 years with the company and more than 12 years on the Executive Board.
Gordon Riske, Chairman of the Supervisory Board states: “Michael Schreyögg has played a key and widespread role in shaping MTU’s success story. He has been instrumental in driving the tremendous growth of the maintenance business by expanding the global service network and has significantly strengthened MTU‘s position in the commercial and military business. For this, we thank him greatly. In Ottmar Pfänder, we have found a proven industry expert and an established, well-connected successor. With his diverse corporate experience and strategic vision, he will play a key role in MTU’s future success.”
Dr. Ottmar Pfänder has been appointed to the Executive Board for a term of three years. His mandate will run until December 31, 2028. In his new role, Ottmar Pfänder will be responsible for all commercial and military engine programs as well as the global maintenance business. The internal succession will enable a smooth transition. Michael Schreyögg will step down from the Executive Board effective December 31, 2025, and will remain available to his successor in an advisory capacity in the months following his departure.
Lars Wagner, Chairman of the Executive Board: “After ten years working closely with Michael Schreyögg at MTU and almost eight years together on the Executive Board, it is now time to say a heartfelt thank you. I have always been greatly impressed by Michael’s energy, in-depth knowledge, and passionate commitment to MTU. His successor, Ottmar Pfänder, comes from within our own ranks and brings many years of experience at MTU. With his expertise and leadership strength, he will successfully fulfill his new role.“
Michael Schreyögg: ”My entire professional life has been connected with MTU. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have had to shape and support the company’s success story so far. I will particularly remember the many positive people across the industry, both at MTU and among our global partners, who all live and breathe aviation. It has been an honor to develop MTU’s military and commercial engine programs for over three decades and to see them grow into sustainably successful businesses. Today, it is clear we set the right course and that MTU is ideally positioned for the future. For me personally, now is the best time to pass on the baton. I am confident that my successor, Ottmar Pfänder, will do an excellent job as Chief Program Officer. I would like to express my sincere thanks to my current and former colleagues on the Executive Board and wish the new team, led by Johannes Bussmann, who has been a close partner of mine for many years, every success in their new roles.”
Dr. Ottmar Pfänder: “I am delighted to be joining MTU’s Executive Board and further contributing to the company’s success and growth. I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for the trust it has placed in me. MTU is well positioned for the future. Now it is time to energetically implement the transformation course we have set, secure MTU‘s strong position in global competition. I look forward to working successfully with the new Executive Board team. And I would like to thank Michael Schreyögg for the great cooperation we have enjoyed over the years. All the best for the next phase of your life!“
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About MTU Aero Engines
MTU Aero Engines AG is a globally recognized expert in commercial and military aircraft engines. MTU‘s high-tech expertise ranges from the development and production of high-quality components to the final assembly of complete engines and the maintenance of aircraft engines and stationary gas turbines. In the financial year 2024, the DAX-listed company generated revenues of 7.5 billion euros. MTU technology can be found providing reliable thrust in one in three commercial aircraft worldwide. And every year, MTU maintains around 1,500 engines and industrial gas turbines. At 19 locations on five continents, more than 13,000 employees from over 80 nations contribute to safe global mobility. Together with other European engine manufacturers, MTU has also been ensuring and supporting the operational readiness of air forces for decades. To continue to benefit from the sustained growth of the aviation industry in the years to come, the company is investing in its expertise, industrial capacities and in future commercial and military engine concepts in Germany and worldwide. With the passion and innovative strength of its employees, MTU is shaping modern aviation – today, tomorrow and in the decades to come.