Dr Michael Berger was appointed Managing Director of IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH with effect from 1 January. Jürgen Hartmann, founder and shareholder of the industrial camera manufacturer, is stepping down from the management board after 27 years at the head of the company. With the 42-year-old Berger joining the IDS management team, the generational change at the Obersulm-based image processing specialist has been successfully completed. In future, Berger will be responsible for sales, marketing, product management and system consulting. Jan Hartmann is now in charge of Finance, HR, IT and Business Innovation & Ecosystem; Alexander Lewinsky will take over Development in addition to his previous responsibilities in Operations. Jürgen Hartmann is handing over the management of the operational business and will be advising the family business in the areas of technology and innovation as Chief Innovation Manager. He remains managing partner of Hartmann Holding GmbH.
Dr Michael Berger studied business administration at the University of Bayreuth, obtained a doctorate in sales and market management at the University of Constance and most recently worked for VARTA AG as General Manager Li-Ion Cells. His actions are always characterised by a clear market orientation. “The IDS product portfolio bears enormous market potential that needs to be further exploited,” says Michael Berger, looking forward to his new role.
The early and careful preparation of the handover of his management responsibility in the own company was important to Jürgen Hartmann from an early stage. He initiated this step four years ago with the promotion of his son Jan to the management board and the appointment of Alexander Lewinsky in 2021.“Continuity and reliability are particularly important to us in relation to our partners and customers. Everything has its time, and after more than 40 years of working life, it’s time for me to take another step back,” says Jürgen Hartmann, explaining his decision. The 61-year-old industry pioneer, who is regarded as the father of the USB interface for industrial cameras, will continue to “support where desired and help where necessary” in the company founded by him, as he says. His main focus will continue to be on the development area. “I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Michael Berger as Managing Director. With his CV, he brings the knowledge and vision that are crucial for further scaling and the next innovation steps at IDS.”
Since its foundation in 1997 as a two-man company, IDS has developed into an independent, ISO-certified family business with more than 350 employees. The headquarters in Obersulm, Baden-Württemberg, is both a development and production site. With branches and representative offices in the USA, Japan, South Korea, the UK, France and the Netherlands, the technology company also has a global presence.