“After 65 years of active professional life, I have decided to initiate a generational change. As a technology and world market leader, ebm-papst enjoys an outstanding position and is equipped for the future. I am very pleased that my son Ralf will take on the Sturm family’s advisory board membership in the future,” said Gerhard Sturm. In 1963, Sturm joined with his friend and mentor, Heinz Ziehl, to found today’s ebm-papst Group (14,400 employees/ €1.9 billion revenues). He ran the company as managing partner until he retired from the operational business in 2007. Thomas Fischer, chairman of the ebm-papst corporate advisory board: “Gerhard Sturm is a pioneer in the field of fan technology and he is also an outstanding entrepreneur. Within five decades, Mr. Sturm grew the company from a small operation with 35 employees to a worldwide market and technology leader. On behalf of the advisory board, corporate management, the works council and all our employees, we would like to thank Mr. Sturm for his life’s work. We will maintain and continue his work in accordance with his values, which include efficiency, enthusiasm and humanity.” Ralf Sturm (47), who has been head of Human Resources at ebm-papst Group since 2009, will join partners Silke Ziehl and Jan Philippiak on the seven-member advisory board. As the honorary advisory board chairman, Mr. Sturm will maintain his connection to the family-run company headquartered in Mulfingen (Baden-Württemberg).