Executive management board member for sales and services Marcel Kiessling will leave the group at the end of the month, by mutual agreement.

Kiessling had been with the business for 25 years. He will be replaced by Harald Weimer, a 15-year veteran of the company who returns to Europe after heading the firm’s American operations for the past three years.

Weimer’s remit encompasses Heidelberg’s global sales and marketing operations, as well as service, parts, consumables and secondhand equipment.

He takes up his new role at the beginning of next month.

Juergen Grimm, former head of the sheetfed business unit is taking over from Weimer as head of the Americas region.

Grimm’s sheetfed role is taken by Stefan Hasenzahl.

Heidelberg chairman Robert Koehler said it was time for the company to enter “the next phase” in the realignment of its business areas. “And seize the future growth opportunities of this segment, to achieve sustainable profitability for Heidelberg.”

Heidelberg’s executive management board now comprises Linzbach, finance director Dirk Kaliebe, Stephan Plenz who is responsible for equipment, and Weimer.