SAF-HOLLAND SE, one of the world's leading suppliers of trailer and truck components, has announced the appointment of Manuel Balles as President APAC, effective 1 January 2027. Balles succeeds Andreas Richter, who will retire at the end of 2026 after leading the company's Asia-Pacific operations since 2023. The appointment draws on an internal candidate with more than 20 years at SAF-HOLLAND, signalling leadership continuity at a time of geopolitical complexity in the region. Investors may be watching how the transition supports the company's drive2030 strategy and APAC growth ambitions.

Key Points

  • SAF-HOLLAND SE (ISIN: DE000SAFH001, ticker reference: 0O4N), listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange Prime Standard and included in the SDAX
  • Manuel Balles appointed President APAC effective 1 January 2027, succeeding Andreas Richter who retires at end of 2026
  • Balles has been with SAF-HOLLAND for over 20 years and has served as Vice President EMEA Aftermarket since 2021; SAF-HOLLAND recorded sales of approximately EUR 1.73 billion in 2025
  • Investors should watch how Balles executes APAC growth, particularly in the aftermarket segment, under the company's drive2030 strategy

Andreas Richter's Legacy in SAF-HOLLAND's APAC Region Since 2023

Andreas Richter has led SAF-HOLLAND's Asia-Pacific operations since 2023, following an extensive career shaping the development of Haldex, which SAF-HOLLAND acquired and integrated into its group. The announcement states that during his tenure Richter strengthened the business's resilience in an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment, expanded market positions, and successfully completed the integration of Haldex's APAC operations. SAF-HOLLAND's CEO Alexander Geis acknowledged Richter's "long-standing contribution" and his role in making regional structures "more robust and resilient" amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties.

Manuel Balles Brings Over 20 Years of SAF-HOLLAND Experience and Asia Expertise

Manuel Balles is an internal appointment with over 20 years at SAF-HOLLAND, providing the company with a degree of continuity in its leadership transition. In his current role as Vice President EMEA Aftermarket, held since 2021, he has been responsible for the aftermarket business across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Prior to that role, Balles held various international sales positions, including several years in Asia where he served customers in Southeast Asia and Japan and developed regional customer relationships and local business structures, according to the announcement.

Aftermarket Growth and drive2030 Strategy Central to Balles's APAC Mandate

The announcement indicates that Balles will focus on driving further regional development, strengthening SAF-HOLLAND's market positions, and generating additional growth momentum across APAC. A particular emphasis is placed on the aftermarket business, consistent with SAF-HOLLAND's drive2030 strategy. The company supplies spare parts through an extensive global distribution network to manufacturers' service networks, wholesalers, end customers, and service centres. SAF-HOLLAND's broad brand portfolio — including SAF, Holland, Haldex, and others — supports top-three market positions in key regions, according to the company's own disclosure.

SAF-HOLLAND's Global Scale and Commercial Vehicle Component Portfolio

Headquartered in Bessenbach, Germany, SAF-HOLLAND employs an average of around 5,600 people worldwide and reported sales of approximately EUR 1.73 billion in 2025. The group manufactures axle and suspension systems, fifth wheels, coupling systems, and brake and EBS systems for trailers, trucks, and buses, supplying original equipment manufacturers across six continents. The APAC leadership change occurs against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical complexity in the region, which the company itself identified as a material operational consideration in this announcement.