Setting course for the future: New CEO at SÜDPACK

Thorsten Seehars has been appointed as the new CEO of SÜDPACK. He succeeds Erik Bouts, who successfully led the company over the past six years and is stepping down to begin his well-deserved retirement. 

With this change of leadership, the film manufacturer is gaining an experienced executive with a proven track record in managing and developing global business segments for various technology leaders. Thorsten Seehars is no stranger to Ochsenhausen, having served the company in an advisory role before. “I’m truly excited to take on the overall responsibility at such a well-established and highly innovative company as SÜDPACK,” he said. “It’s a privilege to continue the work of my predecessor, who strengthened our market position through strategic foresight and with a consistent focus on facts, figures, and results.” 

One of Erik Bouts’ most significant achievements was the successful restructuring of the company through the introduction of business units – enabling SÜDPACK to respond to customer needs with greater speed and agility. Another focus area during his tenure as CEO of the family-owned company was a consistent emphasis on sustainability as well as research and development. Today, SÜDPACK is not only a technology leader in its industry but also one of the most innovative and sustainable mid-sized enterprises in Germany. During a farewell event at its Ochsenhausen headquarters, the company’s shareholders and advisory board paid tribute to Erik Bouts for his exemplary service and lasting contributions. He will continue to support SÜDPACK in an advisory capacity until the beginning of 2026. 

“We are very pleased to gain a strong leader and seasoned strategist with Thorsten Seehars – someone who will shape the long-term direction of the SÜDPACK Group together with the entire team and drive it forward with fresh momentum,” said Carolin Grimbacher, Managing Partner at SÜDPACK. 

The company’s Strategy 2030 is intended to lay the foundation for its next phase of growth. That said, the road ahead will not be without challenges, as Seehars acknowledges: “In the coming years, we will continue to face difficult geopolitical and economic conditions. By focusing on the advantages of a family-owned business, our innovative strength, and the dedication of our entire team, I am confident in our ability to succeed in this demanding market environment.”