- At the turn of the year: Frederic Lanz strengthens company presence in the USA
- Conscious decision to diversify and minimize risk
- Step into the USA reflects entrepreneurial attitude
KEMPER GmbH is taking the next consistent step in its international growth strategy: At the turn of the year, CEO Frederic Lanz will relocate his place of residence and work to the U.S. state of Michigan. With this move, the company is strengthening its presence in one of the industry’s most important and dynamic markets.
North America plays a central role in KEMPER’s long-term development. For years, the market has seen rising demand for advanced extraction technology, automation solutions, and safety-critical systems. By establishing a direct presence on site, KEMPER aims to further enhance its proximity to customers, partners, OEMs, and strategic networks.
“Our strategy has always been based on a simple principle: get things done. We implement what we set out to do,” says Frederic Lanz. “Moving to the U.S. is a clear commitment to our growth strategy and a signal that we follow through on our plans for the market, for our customers, and for the sustainable development of KEMPER.”
Geopolitical Uncertainty as an Entrepreneurial Opportunity
At a time of global geopolitical shifts and fragile supply chains, Germany’s mid-sized industrial companies face particular challenges. Growing economic uncertainty and a high dependence on traditional markets entail risks that require proactive action. KEMPER does not view this situation as a threat, but as an opportunity for strategic realignment. The move to the United States is a deliberate decision to diversify and reduce risk. By strengthening its North American foothold, the company secures its global competitiveness and creates a resilient foundation for sustainable growth independent of regional economic cycles.
A Step Made Possible by a Strong Organizational Structure
Over recent years, the company has deliberately strengthened its organizational foundation: clear responsibilities, strong leadership teams, and robust processes across all operational areas. These developments form the cornerstone that makes such a step at the executive level possible. Accordingly, both the infrastructure and the mindset are flexibly designed to implement this move seamlessly and without friction.
North America Remains a Growth Engine and Driver of Innovation
North America has been one of KEMPER’s fastest-growing regions for several years. In an environment characterized by a high degree of automation and extensive industrial networks, further opportunities are emerging for KEMPER both in its established core business and in new technologies. “The fact that Frederic will be personally on site underscores our ambition not only to recognize the opportunities in this market, but to actively shape them,” says Bjoern Kemper, CEO. “It shows that we don’t just organize proximity, we live it: real presence in the market, where developments take shape and where we want to grow together with our partners.”
Michigan – A Location with Substance
The decision in favor of Michigan is based on several strategic factors:
- Proximity to major industrial and automation hubs
- An ideal location for serving both the U.S. and Canadian markets
- An attractive ecosystem encompassing technology, robotics, welding, and supplier industries
- Access to highly qualified talent and relevant networks
“If you take growth seriously, you need to be where the market is happening,” says Lanz. “This is not about making a big statement, it’s a logical step: closer to the action, closer to our customers, and closer to the impulses that will shape the years ahead.”
In addition, despite a challenging economic environment, KEMPER continues to pursue its growth strategy and defined objectives with determination. The move to the United States therefore reflects the company’s entrepreneurial mindset: actively shaping opportunities even in demanding times.
Global Collaboration Remains Strong
For teams, customers, and partners in Europe, nothing will change as a result of the CEO’s relocation. Established structures and points of contact will remain in place. Digital collaboration, long a part of daily practice, ensures seamless leadership and coordination across continents.
A Move That Reflects What KEMPER Stands For
The relocation embodies the values that define the company: reliability, entrepreneurial courage, a hands-on mentality, and long-term thinking. In closing, Lanz summarizes: “This step does not mean distance, it means progress. It is made possible by a strong team at our headquarters that provides the foundation on which we can consistently continue to execute our strategy.”
Further information can be found at: www.kemper.eu/en
