Geilenkirchen, November 1, 2026 – Thomas Latajka joins the Management Board of CSB-System SE and will lead the business into the future together with Vanessa Kröner. Company founder Dr. Peter Schimitzek retires but will continue to serve as Honorary Chair of the Supervisory Board. 

CSB-System SE has appointed Thomas Latajka, 53, to the Management Board. Since November 1, he has joined Vanessa Kröner at the helm of the company. Latajka has many years of experience leading and developing ERP and software companies. Until recently, he was managing director of GWS Gesellschaft für Warenwirtschafts-Systeme mbH.

Kröner, who took over as Chair of the Management Board in 2025, will continue to hold overall responsibility and, in particular, be accountable for Sales, HR, Finance and Controlling, Administration, and all staff functions. Latajka will be responsible for the Development and Projects, Consulting & Services (PCS) business units. 

“For decades, CSB-System SE has been a successful player in the software sector. Now it is time to build on this success and create fresh momentum. We have therefore prepared this Management Board appointment with foresight and the utmost care,” explains Dr. Florian Hotz, Chair of the Supervisory Board.

Leadership for further growth and innovation

The range of CSB’s solution portfolio is broader than ever before. In addition to its industry-specific ERP system, the company provides software and hardware solutions covering the entire value chain, from MES, AI, and industrial image processing to robotic systems and automation. At the same time, demands for innovation, international expansion, and strategic leadership continue to grow. The executive duo will integrate market, consulting, and technology expertise even more closely to provide customers with comprehensive support in digitalizing and automating their organizations.

Vanessa Kröner: “I am delighted that Thomas Latajka is joining our Management Board. This is an important step in continually evolving CSB and setting the course for the next phase of growth. His expertise further strengthens our capabilities in software, consulting, and the delivery of complex ERP projects. He also brings valuable experience and knowledge of our core business, including an in-depth understanding of the food industry.” 

Looking ahead to his new role, Thomas Latajka particularly emphasizes the combination of future viability and a long-established corporate culture: “What convinced me about CSB is how deep industry knowledge, a broad solution portfolio ranging from ERP to production lines, and the values of a family-led business come together. This is what I want to build on. Product development, consulting, and services should work together even more closely so that new technologies reach our customers quickly and reliably. This is what I will be tackling together with Vanessa Kröner and the teams.”

Dr. Peter Schimitzek, founder of CSB and long-standing Chair of the Management Board, will retire. He will remain associated with the company as Honorary Chair of the Supervisory Board.

CSB celebrates its 50th anniversary

The new Management Board comes at a special time for CSB. Next year, the family-owned company will celebrate its 50th anniversary. CSB will also keep its sights firmly set on the future and continue to develop its portfolio as a technology provider supporting businesses in the food, chemical, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries around the world in their digital transformation.