Stefan Budweit takes over Clark management
Duisburg, 7 January 2025 – Clark Europe announces a change in management as of 1 January 2025. After ten years of service, Rolf Eiten, President & CEO, is handing over the baton to Stefan Budweit, COO & Director Sales & Marketing, in order to devote himself to other tasks within the company.
Stefan Budweit has already held various management positions within the company for thirteen years and took over as COO (Chief Operating Officer) at Clark Europe just last year.
Rolf Eiten, who began his professional career at Clark in 1976, took over the management of Clark Europe (CMHEU) and Clark France (CMHFR) in 2014 following the death of Egon Strehl. Here he made a significant contribution to the development and growth of the company. “It has been an honour to be part of this great team and to drive Clark’s vision forward together with our employees and contract partners,” says Rolf Eiten. “I am proud of what we have achieved and wish Stefan Budweit every success in his new role.” Rolf Eiten will continue to work in an advisory capacity for the management and the new Managing Director. He will also continue in his role as Regional Manager for Turkey and assume responsibility for CMHEU as an authorised signatory. In the longer term, Eiten will devote himself to global tasks at Clark.
Stefan Budweit has more than 30 years of national and international experience in the field of material handling to continue the successful work of Rolf Eiten. Before joining Clark Europe in 2012, he worked as a key account manager for Toyota and Jungheinrich, among others. Budweit started his career at Clark Europe as Business Development Manager. Here he was responsible for the strategic direction and further development of Clark Europe. Stefan Budweit then worked as Director Sales & Marketing until 2023 and has assumed additional responsibility as COO of Clark Europe since January 2024. “I am very much looking forward to the new challenge and to shaping the next steps for Clark Europe together with our dedicated team,” explains Stefan Budweit on taking office.
Sylvie adds: “When Aron came to speak at our staff conference, it was very inspirational for all the staff, regardless of their role. His approach to the challenges he faces on the track, his dedication to training, and the way he continues to move forward after a disappointing race can all be applied to our working life.
“Aron talked a lot about teamwork and how his individual success is a collaboration with his racing team. He emphasises how the power of a partnership is critical to a winning team, both on or off the track. Something we can find very relatable.
“He also spent time with our team, even jumping on race simulators to see if anyone could beat his fastest lap. Having that time with Aron, really got everyone invested and now we celebrate Aron’s successes with him and commiserate when races don’t go to plan.
“Aron’s recent win of the 2024 Independent Championship was a real boost to everyone and we’re all very excited for the 2025 season already.”
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“That said, we still get a buzz every time we see Aron wearing the Hako logo with pride when he steps onto the podium or is interviewed on TV,” adds Sylvie.
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