On January 1, 2023, Axel Zügel took over the management of the operational areas of ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA GmbH as COO. In his new function, he relieves Klaus Gehrig, who was both CEO and COO of the company until the end of 2022. As COO, Axel Zügel is responsible for the operational business areas of order processing, purchasing, project management, assembly, logistics and engineering at the Ludwigsburg site. “We’re delighted that Axel Zügel has taken over this important position,” says CEO Klaus Gehrig. “He’s the right man for the job too, because he’s ‘lived’ ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA for the past nineteen years,” he adds. Thanks to his long affiliation with the company, Axel Zügel has acquired comprehensive know-how in the brewing, beverages and liquid foods industry – and that knowledge will make it easier for the new COO to continue optimizing internal processes and act as a competent contact person for customers.

Axel Zügel is a trained industrial clerk. After completing his training, he worked for a plant manufacturer for several years before moving to ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA GmbH in 2004. After gaining a Master of Science degree in Strategic Management, he initially held the position of Purchasing Manager in the company. In this position, he was responsible for ensuring that the supply chain ran smoothly. As Director of Projects EPC, he was subsequently in charge of the order processing, project management, assembly and logistics divisions at the Ludwigsburg site. Commenting on his new position as COO, he said: “I’ll continue to be 100 percent committed to strengthening our global capabilities and expanding our worldwide connectivity. My many years of working with our company, employees and partners will contribute to our continued handling of high-quality projects and our punctual adherence to deadlines.”

Beverage Partners International (BPI) is delighted to announce that Tony Parente has been appointed COO, effective from 1 September 2021.

Moving forward, Tony Parente will oversee BPI’s day-to-day operations, develop the strategic direction of the business and support BPI’s expanding network of bottlers and distributors.

Tony Parente has led an accomplished career and is a well-established figure in the international FMCG and soft drinks industry, working across both global corporates and entrepreneurial companies.

Following a long career in International Franchise Beverage Management at Cadbury Schweppes and then at The Coca-Cola Company, he was appointed Managing Director of start-up T&T Beverages, taking the brand from “zero to hero” in the UK.

He has held senior positions at Powershot UK, Coca-Cola Europe, The Monster Energy Drinks Company and Grenade UK, among others.

On his return to Coca-Cola Europe, Tony Parente held the role of New Ventures Entrepreneur, a business unit working in key markets in Europe, inspired by startups such as Glacéau, ZICO and Honest Tea, developing new venture categories and new brands to drive incremental growth.

As of October 1, Thomas Hartkämper is responsible for operations at Kautex Maschinenbau. The experienced change management and organization development expert is set to play a significant role in structuring the company’s change process. Kautex is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of extrusion blow molding machines for plastics processing.

For many years now, Mr. Hartkämper has held managerial positions in mechanical and plant engineering companies that operate on the global stage. The 50-year-old champions sustainable business dealings, ensuring that they are aligned consistently with customer requirements. He knows the plastics industry inside out thanks to his many years of experience, particularly in manufacturing machines and tools for plastic packaging.