Friedrichshafen, September 28, 2024 - After almost 20 years at the helm of the company, plant manufacturer Zeppelin Systems did not bid farewell to Rochus Hofmann until July 2023, when he took his well-deserved retirement. On September 8, 2024, the much-loved and esteemed CEO passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 71. A sad moment for Zeppelin Systems and the entire Zeppelin Group.

“His unexpected death has deeply shocked us all and our sincere condolences go out to his family. I probably feel the same way as many people in Friedrichshafen: In my perception, he was in top shape, cheerful, sporty and still very active even in retirement. Unfortunately, he has now left us far too early,” Markus Vöge, CEO of Zeppelin Systems GmbH, announced in an internal message of mourning to the workforce.  

Rochus Hofmann took over as Managing Director of Zeppelin Materials Handling GmbH (the former name of today's Zeppelin Systems GmbH) in 2005 and has achieved numerous internationalization successes for the company over the course of his career. In the 2000s, for example, he carried out valuable development work to establish the international Zeppelin Systems subsidiaries in Korea, India and China. He also oversaw numerous mergers and acquisitions in Germany and abroad, such as the purchase of the Italian company Nuova Ciba (processing of rubber compounds for the tire industry) and Smart Controls in India (digitalization and automation solutions for plant engineering and industry).

As an entrepreneur, he recognized the importance of automation for plant engineering early on and, as Managing Director, set the course for the expansion and further development of this area. He was also particularly valued for his passionate commitment as a negotiator and bridge-builder in difficult business situations. The staff valued him as an experienced manager who left a lasting mark on the company through his integrity, reliability and humanity. “Rochus Hofmann was not only a valued business partner for me, but also a confidant, and I deeply regret his sudden passing,” says Peter Gerstmann, CEO of the Zeppelin Group. “We will honor his memory and our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones in these difficult times,” added Gerstmann.

© Zeppelin Systems GmbH, for publication, free of charge. Voucher copy or reference requested.