A leader in integrated equipment systems for concrete products across a wide range of market segments, TopWerk Group has appointed Kathrin Scheffel as chief executive officer. Since 2014, she has been instrumental with the organizational development, corporate governance and strategic integration of the four separate companies comprising Burbach, Germany-based TopWerk: Hess Group, SR Schindler, Prinzing-Pfeiffer and Hess AAC.
Scheffel brings over 20 years of senior executive experience in building, engineering, and machine manufacturing, demonstrating what TopWerk officials note is a unique combination of technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills that have transformed newly acquired business units into fully integrated operations. Her career includes an appointment as managing director of Switzerland’s Jenson-Group NV, an international machine manufacturer whose stock is quoted in Brussels, has a payroll of 1,200, and serves accounts in 80-plus countries. Scheffel holds a master’s in engineering from a German university, and achieved her international executive MBA at University St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Concurrent with the CEO appointment, Karl-Werner Kohns was named managing director of Operations for the TopWerk Hess Group, bringing insight and perspective from more than 20 years with Hess peer, Masa AG/GmbH, where he most recently served as managing director. He oversaw development and standardization of efficient production plants throughout the world, most notably in the North American market. Kohns joined Hess Group GmbH as managing director of the Schlosser-Pfeiffer Division in 2012, continuing in that capacity for TopWerk Group’s newly formed Prinzing-Pfeiffer Division, and spearheaded innovations in materials mixing and concrete pipe technology. Also with the Hess Group, Tobias Hess will continue as managing director of Global Sales. He has established a sales track record with Hess equipment systems over the past 20 years, lending expertise and experience to Hess Group customers across the world.
At TopWerk America, a newly organized business unit, Andre Kuersammer has been appointed to the managing director post. He previously served as sales director for Hess Group in North America, and was instrumental in the coordinated development of advanced plant designs and installations that have created a higher market standard for product quality and output performance. Keursammer will be responsible for the oversight and administration of sales and service support programs for TopWerk America customers.
TopWerk America has also secured the professional management services of J. Kevin Duggan, who joins the team as a dedicated consultant for strategic market development and key account management. He has over 25 years of experience in the North American concrete industry, including serving as Hess USA president from 2005 to 2010. Since 2011, Duggan has been actively involved in the development and implementation of plant efficiency software for concrete product manufacturers. He will work with the entire TopWerk America team to further develop and define supply chain partnership platforms for the benefit of their customers.