Lubert Winnecken takes over as Chairman of VDMA Valves

At the association’s general meeting in Cologne, VDMA Valves members elected a new executive board. Lubert Winnecken, CEO of KEUCO GmbH & Co. KG, is the new chairman, succeeding Axel Weidner of Mankenberg GmbH, who led the association for eight years. Winnecken will also head the VDMA Building Valves Division, supported by Vice Chair Andreas Laschke of KSB SE & Co. KGaA, who was separately elected Chair of the VDMA Industrial Valves Division. The rest of the board includes Elisa Sasserath-Kentsch, Oliver Bertram, Michael Everwand and Michael Rimm.
Taking office, Winnecken said the industry needs stronger political backing, pointing to competitive pressure from abroad and calling for reliable policy conditions, competitive energy costs and innovation-friendly regulation — both nationally and, increasingly, at EU level, where much of the regulatory and sustainability agenda is now set.
The association, which spans both building and industrial valve manufacturers, plans to draw more on that combined expertise going forward, with a focus on competitiveness, skilled-labor shortages, technological change and regulation.
Managing Director Dr. Laura Dorfer welcomed the new board, thanking outgoing chairman Weidner for his contribution and noting that with over 190 member companies, the association is stronger than ever heading into its next phase.