
Holger Schötz (39) took over leadership of the Human Resources Division with the Munich-based technology group Rohde & Schwarz. In his new function, Mr. Schötz, who was hired from within the global company’s own ranks, has simultaneously become a member of Corporate Management.
The more than 11,500 employees with Rohde & Schwarz represent the cornerstone of the company’s success. They work to lay the foundation for developments such as autonomous driving, the internet of things (IoT) and the communications standards of tomorrow. As an employer, it is important to the company to provide a flexible and employee-centered working environment for the people who drive innovation. Holger Schötz will remain true to this philosophy as he continues shaping and developing the Human Resources Division with an eye to future challenges.
Mr. Schötz, who earned his degree in industrial engineering, spent two years as a product manager with the global company Zollner Elektronik AG before joining Rohde & Schwarz in 2007. He spent more than 10 years in various operational roles at the Teisnach plant and at the same time completed an MBA, specializing in management and leadership. In his most recent position, Holger Schötz served as the deputy plant manager in Teisnach with staff responsibility for the approximately 2,000 manufacturing employees at the plant. Since 2018, he has headed projects for different strategic initiatives with a global reach at the Rohde & Schwarz corporate headquarters in Munich. At the same time, he has played a key role in developing the corporate strategy.
This wide-ranging experience will be highly beneficial in his new position. Mr. Schötz says: “I’ve always found it exciting to bring about change by taking a new look at something from the outside. To apply that approach, I feel that I have built a strong network through my past positions with the company. I’ve worked with people in production and in corporate development. I see that as a big advantage when it comes to establishing the Human Resources Division as a valuable partner for business – and therefore making an important contribution to the company’s success.”
In this function, Holger Schötz is taking over from Hans Knapek, who successfully led the Human Resources Division for 11 years. During that time, the global workforce of Rohde & Schwarz increased by around 5000 employees. Under Mr. Knapek’s leadership, the HR Division successfully shaped and guided this strong growth. He will remain with the company in an advisory role until he retires in 2020.