CTX founder becomes advisory partner

Wilfried Schmitz hands management over to Jens Mirau

Wilfried Schmitz has retired from the management board of CTX Thermal Solutions. His strategic planning responsibilities will be assumed by Jens Mirau, who joined Schmitz as a member of management in 2021. Schmitz will continue to serve the company as an advisory partner.

In 1997, Wilfried Schmitz founded CTX, recognizing the growing importance of electronics for industrial production. Under his management, the company grew from a distributor to become one of Europe’s leading suppliers of cooling solutions today. Recently, his primary focus has been on the internationalization of CTX and strategic investment in other enterprises in the industry. The thermal management specialist has invested, for example, in the Italian heat sink manufacturer PADA Engineering.

Succession arranged early on

Schmitz made provisions for his successor in 2021, when Jens Mirau joined the management board, taking on responsibility for operational issues. Now aged 55, he had been employed for many years as managing director for the Japanese plant manufacturer JUKI, and for EWAB Engineering GmbH. At CTX, he achieved the expansion of existing business areas and the development of new target markets. These included electric vehicles, Industry 4.0, and agriculture.

Continued development of market position

Mirau will now continue to strengthen and expand the solid market position of CTX. Supply chain management will play an important part in this undertaking. “We also offer a stable supply chain beyond China and intend to expand this network with new suppliers,” says Mirau. “This allows us to guarantee our customers consistent delivery capability and quality – and to meet the new requirements of markets, customers, and the uncertain global political situation.”

Wilfried Schmitz, who still holds shares in the company, will provide advisory support to CTX in the future, with a view toward further expansion.