March 13, 2025: Sebastian Rudow has joined the executive board of VARTA as chief transformation and restructuring officer.
The appointment of Rudow is another part of the restructuring team that Michael Ostermann, charged with returning the once-giant manufacturing firm into profit, has appointed since he took over as chief executive in May 2024. This February, Rolf Glessing took over as chief financial officer.

Rudow succeeds Michael Giesswein, who, according to a company statement, is leaving at his own request on April 30 following the successful conclusion of the StaRUG proceedings. (StaRUG provided companies in crisis with a set of instruments which they can use for restructuring without having to open formal proceedings).

As CTRO, Sebastian Rudow will support the operational implementation of the restructuring plan and the further transformation of VARTA and drive it forward with the other members of the VARTA executive board.

Rudow has more than 15 years of management experience with companies in restructuring and transformation situations along the entire cycle of a reorganization.

He has worked as CRO, CEO and CFO in various industries, including mechanical and plant engineering, automotive, telecommunications and renewable energies.

Rudow is a fully qualified lawyer and holds a master’s degree in corporate restructuring from the University of Heidelberg.
Rudow said: “I am looking forward to leading VARTA AG into the next phase of its transformation and setting the course for a successful future together with the employees. I have known the company as a technology leader and its products for a long time and have followed the dynamic development of recent years with great interest.”