Shantel
Key Takeaways:
- Clarios appoints Helmut Zodl as the new Chief Financial Officer effective September 1, 2023.
- Helmut Zodl brings extensive international experience and a strong track record in the automotive industry.
- His appointment aims to bolster Clarios’ financial strategy and investor relationships for future growth and innovation.
- Helmut succeeds John DiBert, who moved to Air Canada in April 2023.
About Clarios
Clarios is a global frontrunner in the advanced, low-voltage architecture and battery technology, powering one-third of vehicles worldwide. Employing over 16,000 people across 100 countries, Clarios is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, recovering, recycling, and reusing up to 99% of its battery materials. A subsidiary of Brookfield Business Partners, the company collaborates with both Aftermarket and OEM customers to meet the energy transition needs of the automotive sector.
The Man of the Hour: Helmut Zodl
Clarios is welcoming a new face to its leadership team, Helmut Zodl, who takes on the role of Chief Financial Officer starting September 1, 2023. Helmut’s appointment serves as a crucial strategic move to reinforce the company’s financial leadership and ensure its long-term success.
Mark Wallace, President and Chief Executive Officer of Clarios, expressed his excitement, “We’re thrilled to welcome Helmut as our new Chief Financial Officer at Clarios. His impressive track record and his international expertise in the automotive industry make him an outstanding candidate for this important role in our company.”
Helmut Zodl: A Profile of Leadership and Excellence
Before joining the ranks of Clarios, Helmut was the CFO at GE Healthcare, where he skillfully managed the company’s spin-off from its parent, listing it on NASDAQ. His rich experience extends to a tenure as Group CFO for Midea in China—a global leader in air conditioning, white goods, and industrial automation. He is also a member of the supervisory board of KUKA AG, serving as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Born in Austria, Helmut is a global citizen, having undertaken assignments in France, Hong Kong, China, Brazil, and the United States. His multifaceted career also includes stints in finance, IT, and strategy with companies like Advance Auto Parts, Lenovo, IBM, and PWC.
Mark Wallace further elaborated on Helmut’s role, “Helmut will play a critical role in helping us achieve our financial and strategic goals and further strengthen the partnership with our investors. With his clear focus on sustainable growth and passion for innovative solutions, I’m confident he will make significant contributions to support our continued success.”
Transition at the Top
Helmut Zodl follows in the footsteps of John DiBert, who stepped down from his position at Clarios in April 2023 to become the CFO of Air Canada. The leadership transition is a part of the company’s ongoing evolution to navigate the complexities of the automotive industry while advancing its mission of sustainability and operational excellence.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect Under Zodl’s Leadership
With a business landscape that is undergoing rapid transformations, especially in energy utilization, the automotive sector is ripe for the kind of innovation and sustainable development that Clarios specializes in. The company’s focus on low-voltage vehicle architecture and batteries puts it at the cusp of this change.
Helmut Zodl’s background in leading high-profile spin-offs and managing international portfolios gives him the toolkit to drive Clarios into a new era of financial growth and technological innovation. His understanding of global markets and sustainability will be invaluable as Clarios continues to expand its footprint while adhering to its commitments to environmental responsibility.
Helmut’s approach to financial strategy will likely echo his history of strong performance in previous roles, marrying financial acumen with innovative solutions. Under his leadership, Clarios can expect a reinforced partnership with investors and perhaps, the introduction of novel approaches to capital management aligned with the company’s goals of sustainable growth.
Wrapping Up
Helmut Zodl’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Clarios. As a company at the forefront of vehicular energy solutions, the stakes are high but so are the opportunities. With a leadership team strengthened by Helmut’s arrival, Clarios is well-positioned for its next phase of global expansion and innovation. And in a world increasingly conscious of sustainability and efficient energy use, this could mean not just profitability, but also making a significant positive impact on how we power our lives.
