GMTA Announces Leadership Change
Walter Friedrich has stepped down as president and CEO, but will maintain an active role in the company as senior adviser and board member.
(left to right) Walter Friedrich and Michael Rose. Photo Credit: GMTA
After 32 years as president of German Machine Tools of America (GMTA), formerly American Wera, Walter Friedrich is stepping down, having appointed Michael Rose to be his successor as the new GMTA president and CEO.
Friedrich was one of the first three employees when GMTA — American Wera at the time — was formed in 1991. He started his career at Pittler Maschinenfabrik, where he advanced from toolmaker to NC programmer, eventually transferring to Chester, Connecticut, in 1984 to support the North American operations of the company. He later joined Liebherr in 1986, where he was project manager within the automation group.
On January 30 of this year, he spoke with the company’s board of directors and decided to step down. The change was effective April 1.
Rose brings 20-plus years of machine tool experience to the new post, having been most recently employed as the director of sales for a leading German machine tool builder. Friedrich is confident that Rose is fully prepared to handle all his new responsibilities. “Michael’s experience within the automotive sector as a key account manager and most recently as director of sales, has prepared him well for his future responsibilities within GMTA. I’m sure he will continue the company’s expansion.”
Rose is grateful for this opportunity. “My objective is to continue the tradition of excellence established by Mr. Friedrich, while at the same time creating additional growth opportunities for the organization,” Rose says.
Friedrich will maintain an active role in the company as senior adviser and board member.
