SAF-HOLLAND SE, a leading global supplier of trailer and truck components, announced today the appointment of Alexandre Charpiot as the new President EMEA, effective September 1, 2026. He succeeds Christoph Gunter, who will be leaving the company to pursue a new leadership role outside the group. The announcement signals a strategic leadership transition in the company's largest regional business as it pursues its drive2030 strategy.
Christoph Gunter, who served as President EMEA for nearly seven years, was instrumental in shaping the region's development. His tenure included the successful integration of Haldex in the EMEA region and the exploration of new growth opportunities in strategically important markets. Alexander Geis, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of SAF-HOLLAND SE, expressed gratitude for Gunter's contributions, stating, 'Christoph Gunter has successfully led and further developed the EMEA region in recent years. On behalf of the entire management team, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to him for his trust and cooperation, and I wish him all the best and continued success.'
Alexandre Charpiot brings extensive experience to his new role, having served the company since 2009 in various leadership positions across original equipment and aftermarket businesses. His responsibilities have included overseeing aftermarket operations, logistics, purchasing, and product management. Since 2022, as Vice President Sales OEM EMEA, he led sales activities for the original equipment business, managed European subsidiaries, and played a key role in integrating Haldex, Tecma, and Assali Stefen. His deep knowledge of the commercial vehicle industry, long-standing customer relationships, and strong sales expertise position him well to continue the region's successful development.
In his new role, Charpiot will focus on aligning the EMEA region with the strategic goals of the drive2030 strategy. Key priorities include strengthening the company's market position, continuously optimizing operational performance, and pursuing additional growth opportunities across the product portfolio. Given that SAF-HOLLAND generated sales of approximately EUR 1.73 billion in 2025 with around 5,600 employees worldwide, the EMEA region represents a significant portion of the business. Leadership stability and strategic alignment are critical for maintaining competitive advantage in the commercial vehicle components market.
This appointment comes at a time when the industry is facing rapid changes, including technological advancements in electric and autonomous vehicles, supply chain disruptions, and shifting regulatory landscapes. Charpiot's experience in integrating acquired companies like Haldex, Tecma, and Assali Stefen will be valuable as the company seeks to expand its product portfolio and market reach. The drive2030 strategy emphasizes innovation in efficiency, safety, and environmental friendliness, areas where SAF-HOLLAND aims to differentiate itself with brands such as SAF, Holland, Haldex, and others.
For business leaders, this leadership change underscores the importance of continuity and deep industry expertise in executing long-term strategies. Investors and stakeholders will watch closely how Charpiot navigates the EMEA region's challenges and opportunities, particularly in leveraging the company's strong market positions—top three in key global regions—and its extensive distribution network spanning original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket channels. The successful integration of recent acquisitions and the pursuit of growth in emerging markets will be key indicators of the region's performance under new leadership.
SAF-HOLLAND SE is listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and is included in the SDAX (ISIN: DE000SAFH001). Further information is available at www.safholland.com.
