CSB Management
Writing the next chapter together
CSB Management
CSB-System SE is a family-owned business. This independence enables CSB to pursue entrepreneurial strategies focused on long-term success, sustainable growth, and continuous investment in high-quality products. This independence also gives our customers the confidence to plan for the long term. The management team at the helm of CSB consists of Sarah Vanessa Kröner as the Chair of the Management Board and Thomas Latajka as a member of the Management Board.
The next generation - Sarah Vanessa Kröner, Chair of the Management Board
Sarah Vanessa Kröner (née Schimitzek) has served as Chair of the Management Board since mid-July 2025. She previously oversaw Finance, Sales, and Marketing from 2013 onward. After studying economics at the University of St. Gallen, she gained professional experience in the Mergers & Acquisitions division of a major international bank. In 2008, she joined the CSB Group as CEO of CSB-System (Holding), where she took charge of international group controlling and restructured CSB’s marketing to meet global challenges. Her leadership later focused on expanding international sales activities and strategically positioning the company for future growth. Residing in Switzerland with her husband, son and daughter, Sarah Vanessa Kroner is an avid tennis and golf player, a passionate skier and hiker, and enjoys traveling to explore new cultures. She also has a keen interest in gourmet cooking.
Thomas Latajka, Member of the Management Board
Thomas Latajka has been a member of the Management Board since November 1, 2026, leading CSB-System SE together with Vanessa Kröner. He is responsible for product development, consulting, and services. In his former role as CEO of valantic ERP Consulting, he and his team supported organizations in the process industries, particularly the food industry, in implementing enterprise software. He then joined the management team of GWS Gesellschaft für Warenwirtschafts-Systeme mbH, a company that provides business applications, including ERP and business intelligence software, to medium-sized wholesalers. Thomas Latajka firmly believes that development, consulting, and services need to be closely integrated to ensure that new technologies reliably reach customers. He lives in the Rhineland with his wife and the family dog and has two grown-up sons. His fascination with technology carries over into his private life, whether he is eFoiling or competing in virtual car races. In his hometown, he has been active in his local “Schützenverein” (traditional German marksmen's club) for more than 35 years.
Dr. Peter Schimitzek, Founder and Honorary Chair of the Supervisory Board
Dr. Peter Schimitzek was born into a butcher’s family in Geilenkirchen. Initially, this was also the career path he chose for himself. After earning his Master Craftsman’s Certificate, he studied Business Administration and Economics at Gesamthochschule Siegen. Alongside his studies, he worked for an international auditing firm in Frankfurt for several years. Dr. Peter Schimitzek subsequently received a doctoral scholarship and obtained his doctorate in 1980 for his work on Recipe Optimization at the Operations Research faculty of RWTH Aachen. He led CSB from the company’s founding until his retirement at the end of 2026. He will remain associated with the company as Honorary Chair of the Supervisory Board. Dr. Peter Schimitzek is married and has two daughters. A passionate entrepreneur and author, he has written several books.
