Durst Group has appointed Wolfgang Knotz as Chief Technology Officer to drive the company’s transformation from a machine manufacturer to a holistic technology-driven solutions provider.
Durst Group has appointed Wolfgang Knotz as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Group, effective 1st April 2026. The leading global manufacturer of digital printing and production technologies states that the decision underscores its commitment to consistently drive its transformation from a machine manufacturer to a technology-driven solutions provider during its 90th anniversary year.
Wolfgang Knotz has held various leadership positions within the Durst Group for many years. Most recently, he served as the Managing Director of Durst Austria GmbH, where he was responsible for technological and operational activities at the Lienz site. Since joining the company in 2013, Knotz has played a key role in shaping core production and technology structures. In his capacity as Head of Development since 2016, he has been instrumental in the continuous advancement and optimisation of digital printing systems, making a significant contribution to the technological leadership of the Durst Group.
The appointment comes against the backdrop of a strategic realignment for the business, with initiatives such as Kyveris accelerating the shift toward data-driven, connected production solutions.
Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of the Durst Group, comments on the appointment. He says, “As part of an intensive selection process involving more than 600 applicants, we conducted a global search for the ideal candidate for this key position. In the end, it became clear that the right person for the role was already within our organization. Wolfgang combines technological expertise, strategic vision, and deep knowledge of our company like few others.”
Gamper adds, “Our task as management was no longer to look externally, but to create the right internal framework conditions – enabling Wolfgang to fully focus on shaping the technological future of the Durst Group.”
Wolfgang Knotz also shares his perspective on the transition. “The in-depth discussions during the CTO selection process highlighted the tremendous opportunity in further developing our technology approach,” he explains. “In my conversations with Christoph, it quickly became clear that we share the same vision: Durst must consistently evolve from a machine manufacturer into a holistic technology and solutions provider.”
In his new role, Knotz will take responsibility for the Group-wide technology agenda, with a strong focus on integrating software, data, automation, and new business models. The overarching goal is to further strengthen the innovative capabilities of the Durst Group and provide customers worldwide with even more comprehensive, integrated solutions.
With the appointment of Wolfgang Knotz, the Durst Group notes it is sending a clear signal that, in its anniversary year, the company is actively shaping its technological future alongside reflecting on 90 years of innovation.