Professor Berthold Leibinger, former CEO and chair of the supervisory board of TRUMPF, passed away on October 16 following a long illness.
Leibinger joined TRUMPF in 1961 when the company was still a fledgling machine maker. For his numerous inventions, which he made in the interests of the company, he received company shares. Against this background, he became a partner in 1966 at the same time that he took on the role of managing director.
Leibinger was especially interested in the potential of light as a tool and is now regarded as one of the pioneers in the industrial application of lasers.
In 1992, Leibinger established the Berthold Leibinger Stiftung, a not-for-profit foundation that dedicates its proceeds to cultural, scientific, religious and charitable purposes. In 2000, the foundation established the internationally renowned Berthold Leibinger Innovation Prize, which is awarded once every two years. It also presents its Comic Book Award on an annual basis.
In 2005 he handed over the reins of the company to his eldest daughter, Dr. Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller. His son Dr. Peter Leibinger is vice chairman of the managing board.