SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts AG, a Salzgitter-based developer and manufacturer of mobile antenna mast systems for military and defense applications, is strengthening its operational leadership with the appointment of Alexander Guntzel as Chief Operating Officer and member of the Management Board, effective 16 November 2026.
The Supervisory Board appointed Guntzel for a term running until 31 December 2028. He succeeds Kai Oppermann, who will step down from the Management Board by mutual agreement with the Supervisory Board at the end of 15 November 2026.
Guntzel brings more than 20 years of experience in industry and operational management of international manufacturing companies. Since 2022, he has worked for the investment firm AEQUITA, most recently as Director Operations. In parallel, he served as Chief Operating Officer of the Willi Elbe Group, where he was responsible for operational management. His expertise includes the transformation of industrial companies and the establishment, ramp-up and further development of production sites.
As COO, Guntzel will be responsible for production and quality management. His focus will be on scaling manufacturing, ensuring reliable production processes and the continued enhancement of quality management.
The appointment comes as SMAG seeks to further develop its industrial capabilities to meet the demanding requirements of defense and security customers. The company generates substantially all of its net sales from defense and is a leading European specialist manufacturer of self-supporting, guy-wire free mobile antenna mast systems for military applications. It serves more than 50 defense primes, OEMs and government agencies worldwide, including 15 NATO militaries, and employs approximately 170 people.
Esra Himmel, Chair of the Supervisory Board, said: “With Alexander Guntzel, we are gaining a Management Board member with extensive operational experience and hands-on expertise in the industrialisation and scaling of complex production processes. Quality, reliability and the ability to deliver are crucial to our customers in the defense and security sectors. We very much look forward to working with him.”
Ulrich Feindt, Chair of the Management Board, said: “Our antenna mast systems perform demanding tasks in mobile communications – particularly in defense and security applications. With Alexander Guntzel, we aim to further develop our industrial capabilities in a targeted manner and align our manufacturing with our customers’ requirements. His experience in production ramp-ups and the operational management of complex industrial companies will be a valuable addition to our team.”
Feindt also thanked Kai Oppermann for his dedication and contribution to SMAG’s development, wishing him all the best for his professional and personal future. The original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
