Heavy time demands arising from the Fit@All restructuring programme have prompted the resignation of chairman Heinz-Joachim Neubürger from the KBA supervisory board.

He joined the board as the appointment of the register court last June, but says the Fit@All programme adopted in December has made substantially different demands on his availability.

He leaves KBA’s supervisory board with immediate effect, and vice chairman Gottfried Weippert will take over the role as chairman until a new board member is appointed by the register court takes place and a new chairman elected.

Neubürger (61) cites the high investment in terms of time and presence on-site: “Demands regarding my availability have changed substantially since the election in June 2013,” he says. “I am unable to devote the amount of time needed. In the spirit of good corporate governance I consider it necessary to accept the appropriate consequences.”

In December 2013 the KBA management board adopted a programme for the realignment which includes a package of measures aimed at strengthening the company's profitability long term and future development potential. Priorities are sustainable capacity and structural adjustments in the traditional core business, reducing the depth of added value as well as a stronger focus on growing special markets.

KBA says the original goals of the programme will not be affected by personnel changes in the supervisory board.