After 20 years with Mann+Hummel, Kai Knickmann, president & general manager Original Equipment, will leave the company to pursue a new professional challenge. Kurk Wilks has been appointed as his successor and has also been with Mann+Hummel for 20 years, primarily working in the U.S. After a brief few months break, he will return to the filtration specialist in January of 2019.

As president & general manager, Wilks will assume responsibility for the global automotive and industrial original equipment business for the Mann+Hummel Group. Since 1998, he has advanced from sales representative to head of the North American plants. Wilks began his career immediately after studying economics with a focus on accounting and finance at Walsh College in Troy, MI. Over the years, Wilks has built solid relationships with customers and suppliers and has achieved and exceeded the business objectives of his plants. This increased productivity was regularly accompanied by increased employee satisfaction.

Knickmann has been a Member of the Board of Management and most recently responsible for automotive and industrial original equipment since 2016. “Kai Knickmann is a true professional and I have much enjoyed working with him,” says Werner Lieberherr, who took office as president and CEO of the Mann+Hummel Group in October of this year. “I wish Kai Knickmann much success for his personal and professional future, and I am thrilled to get Kurk Wilks so quickly back on board in my effort to shape a strong and international senior leadership team.”