The proven digital expert recently came away empty-handed when power was redistributed at Bosch.
Stuttgart Harald Kröger, 54, is leaving Bosch at the end of the year. Kröger switched from automaker Daimler to Bosch in 2016. There he was responsible, among other things, for the Cross Domain Solutions division, in which around 17,000 employees develop the new software architectures for future vehicle generations. The now announced separation was at its own request, announced the company after the board meeting on Friday.
Kröger was considered one of the possible candidates to succeed Volkmar Denner on the executive chair of the foundation group. There he was responsible for the development of electric drives and vehicle electronics for Mercedes cars as well as lithium-ion batteries – all key competencies for the future.
However, Stefan Hartung, who has been with the company for 20 years, made the race for Denner’s successor. The vice post went to Christian Fischer, who has been with the company even shorter than Kröger.
Bosch had already experienced something similar in 2012, when Denner was named head of the company. The long-time head of the auto division, Bernd Bohr, left the company after a period of shame.
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The current head of the mobility division, Stefan Heyn, 57, will also take on Kröger’s tasks. This also includes the chassis systems, car electronics, e-bikes, and the difficult steering business, as well as the two-wheeler business. The position of Heyn, who was also one of the possible crown princes, is thus significantly strengthened in the corporate management.
“Harald Kröger was the driving force in a number of important future topics such as the establishment of the pioneering Cross Domain Computing Solutions division and the expansion of our semiconductor business,” praised the outgoing CEO Denner.
The chairman of the board, Franz Fehrenbach, also regretted Kröger’s departure. He has enjoyed great recognition among his employees for his inspiring manner and the targeted promotion of management talent.
More: Changeover of the year Volkmar Denner: rational and radical