Schneider, who died in an avalanche in South Tyrol on 26 March 2013, had been with Durst since setting up the Italian wide-format manufacturer's research and production facility in Lienz, Austria in 1997.
Durst founder and chief executive Dr Richard Piock described Schneider in a tribute letter as "a man of the first class" and "Tyrolean to the core", adding that he had built a flagship operation in Lienz that was an example to the whole group.
Klaus Schneider, former CEO of Durst Digital Technology
"Klaus' accidental death has shaken us deeply," said Piock. "We lose a popular manager and colleague, a kind person with a human touch. I will miss his cheeky smile, his helpfulness and his indignation when others lacked backbone or behaved selfishly.
"I know life and business goes on but it has become empty, silent and lonely."
Schulz, a former vice president of ESK Ceramics and chief executive of thermal process technology manufacturer Ipsen's subsidiaries in South East Asia and India, took up her new post yesterday (7 January).
She said: "I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to take on probably the most demanding management position in my home state. The opportunity to lead one of the most innovative, global companies in Austria and to implement its strategy of continuous profitable growth is one which rarely comes along.
"Durst's plans regarding its long term strategy are as exciting as they are challenging. At the same time, I am inspired by the great commitment which the company has to this region."
Piock added: "We are very much looking forward to working with Mrs Schulz. Her many years of experience in international management in all the markets which are important to the Durst Group, combined with the fact that East Tyrol is her home region, mean that Barbara Schulz is an exceptionally good fit with us, internationally successful yet based on strong Tyrolean roots."
