ZF Appoints Sebastian Schmitt to Board of Management as Holdmann Steps Down
ZF Friedrichshafen has appointed Sebastian Schmitt to its Board of Management effective September 1, 2026, to oversee the Electrified Powertrain Technology division, while Dr. Peter Holdmann steps down after more than 2…
- 44
- over 26 years
- September 1, 2026
What Happened
ZF Friedrichshafen AG has appointed Sebastian Schmitt, 44, to its Board of Management as part of a leadership reshuffle, effective September 1, 2026. Schmitt will oversee the Electrified Powertrain Technology division, which he has led since November 2025. Dr. Peter Holdmann, a board member since May 2024, will step down by mutual agreement on August 31, 2026, after more than 26 years at the company.
Sebastian Schmitt takes charge of the Electrified Powertrain Technology division.
Dr. Peter Holdmann joins the ZF Board of Management as head of Chassis Solutions.
Dr. Peter Holdmann steps down from the Board of Management.
Sebastian Schmitt officially joins the Board of Management.
“The Supervisory Board thanks Dr. Peter Holdmann for his commitment and steady leadership in integrating and developing the Chassis Solutions division. In recent years, ZF has established a leading position in chassis technology, particularly in by-wire braking and steering systems. We respect his decision not to seek another term and thank him for his service.”
As part of the reshuffle, Schmitt will also oversee the Americas region, previously handled by CEO Mathias Miedreich. Miedreich will take over the Chassis Solutions division and group research and development from Holdmann. The changes aim to maintain progress in ZF's transformation, particularly in electrified powertrain and chassis technology.
Why this matters
The leadership reshuffle at ZF, a major automotive supplier, signals a continued focus on electrified powertrain technology and chassis innovation. The changes affect the company's strategic direction and product development for car manufacturers, potentially impacting future vehicle features like braking and steering systems.
Terms in This Story
- By-wire
- A technology that uses electronic controls instead of mechanical linkages, used in braking and steering systems.
- Board of Management
- The executive board responsible for managing a company's operations and strategic decisions.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.