On November 1, 2024, a significant milestone was reached at JÜKE Systemtechnik GmbH in Altenberge: The two long-standing CEOs Heinrich Jürgens and Martin Hovestadt handed over the management to the next generation. Their two sons Max Jürgens and Steffen Hovestadt, who have both been with the company for several years, took over the management on November 1, 2024. The generational change is flanked by Dominik Fockenbrock, who joined the management team in July 2023. He has been with the company for 30 years and was previously Head of Development.
The generational change was carefully prepared over the long term in advance. During an intensive onboarding and training phase, the new Managing Directors worked in all departments of the company and were actively involved in the operational processes. By working closely with the teams and getting to know all areas, they were able to prepare themselves thoroughly for their future tasks.
“Placing the succession in the hands of our sons was our wish and part of our corporate strategy to maintain independence and continuity,” explain the previous CEOs Heinrich Jürgens and Martin Hovestadt. “Thanks to the long-standing preparation, the appropriate training of our sons and the involvement of the second management level, we are convinced that the transition will be seamless and that the company will continue to grow.”
The second management level consists of the heads of the operational and strategic divisions and was involved in the succession process from the outset. They worked closely together to help shape the change and prepare for the new managing directors. This integration of all relevant levels ensures that the transition in company management will be smooth and stable for both the employees and the business partners.
“We are looking forward to taking over responsibility in the company together with Dominik Fockenbrock and continuing the company’s successful history,” say the new CEOs Max Jürgens and Steffen Hovestadt. “Our aim is to preserve what has been established and at the same time provide new ideas with strength and energy in order to develop the company for the future.”
Max Jürgens trained as a commercial manager in wholesale and foreign trade, graduated from the Universidad Nebrija in Spain with a Bachelor of Business Administration and completed his training at Steinbeis University with a part-time Master of Business and Engineering. Before starting at JÜKE, he worked for a good 4 years at Schmitz Cargobull AG in Zaragoza and Altenberge as Supply Chain Manager and gained valuable experience in international purchasing management and logistics as well as in projects to optimize production processes.
Steffen Hovestadt studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Dortmund and graduated with a Master of Science. He then worked for a good 4 years at Qioptiq Photonics GmbH & Co. KG in Göttingen as a development engineer. During this time, he was responsible for the management of complex development projects in the field of optical technologies, the planning of modern development infrastructure and dealing with a wide range of international customers before starting his onboarding and training phase at JÜKE.
The two previous CEOs Heinrich Jürgens and Martin Hovestadt will remain associated with the company as shareholders even after the generational change. They will take care of strategic projects and actively continue the very well-established networking work in trade associations, associations, and initiatives.
With this generational change, the company is focusing on continuity, reliability and independence in equal measure and is looking to the future with confidence.
