Rieter appoints Daniel Lippuner as CEO as Thomas Oetterli steps down
Rieter is set to change its top leadership as Thomas Oetterli steps down as CEO on October 31, 2026. He will also hand over the Chairmanship of the Board of Directors, marking the planned separation of the two roles.
Oetterli said the decision comes after the successful implementation of the company’s Next Level performance program, measures to consolidate Rieter’s sites and the acquisition of Barmag. The Board of Directors thanked him for his contribution to Rieter’s strategic and operational development and said the measures initiated under his leadership provide a stronger foundation for the company’s future growth.
Daniel Lippuner will become CEO on November 1, 2026. He brings extensive international leadership experience and a long background in textile machinery and components. Lippuner previously served as CEO of Saurer Group and Head of Oerlikon Textile Components, where he worked across spinning machinery, yarn processing and textile components.
His experience in business transformation, technology, quality management, operations and Asian markets is particularly relevant to Rieter as the company expands beyond its traditional short-staple fiber business.
Carl Illi will serve as Chairman of the Board until the next Annual General Meeting on April 14, 2027. A Rieter Board member since 2017, Illi is also an experienced textile industry specialist.
The leadership transition comes as Rieter continues integrating Barmag, acquired in February 2026. The acquisition has expanded Rieter into the man-made fiber segment, broadening its technology portfolio and creating new opportunities for growth and digital solutions across the textile industry.
