Reiner Schmid has made the decision to embark on a new chapter in his career. After a remarkable 34 years’ with Dürr, during which he served as President and CEO of Dürr China for 2 decades, he has decided now is the time to make the change. His journey with Dürr started in 1990 as an engineer in the R&D department. Over the years, he assumed various roles, including positions in R&D and Engineering, before taking on additional sales responsibilities for the Chinese market. In March 2003, he officially assumed the role of President and CEO of Dürr China. With the dedicated teamwork of the Dürr China team and support from the wider group, he guided this small branch from sales of 0.1 billion RMB and 54 employees to becoming a prestigious mechanical and plant engineering company in China. Today, the company generates sales of around 4.4 billion RMB and employs approximately 1,300 individuals (as of the end of 2022).
Throughout his two-decade tenure as CEO of Dürr China, he made significant strides in enhancing manufacturing both in terms of scale and product range. He also oversaw strategic investments, and the establishment of the Dürr China Headquarters and R&D Center. He seized opportunities in the electric vehicle sector, while exhibiting strong decision-making skills during critical junctures (for example, the global economic crisis of 2008, the boom of automobile development in China, and the COVID-19 pandemic), laying the foundation for success. These achievements not only reflect his personal career accomplishments but also underscore the collective success of the entire Dürr China team.
After leaving Dürr China, Reiner Schmid will assume the role of a senior advisor to Dürr AG, the group’s management holding company, for a duration of three years, where he will continue to make valuable contributions.
Michael Baitinger’s 28 years of experience at Dürr make him a well-suited successor for the role of the CEO at Dürr China. After seven years of freelance work for Dürr, Mr. Baitinger accepted a permanent position in 2002. He started his career at Dürr as a designer within the conveyor department and then assumed the position as layout manager for paint systems. He subsequently advanced to the role of senior manager for mechanical engineering responsible for booth and ovens. Following this, he spent three years serving as engineering director at Dürr de Mexico. Presently, he holds the position of director of operations for plant services at the Dürr Group’s headquarters in Bietigheim-Bissingen (Germany). As a long-term member of the Dürr Group with extensive knowledge of Dürr’s different operational areas and countries, he already has an in-depth understanding of the company and business. Mr. Baitinger will guide the company and its employees in a manner that ensures Dürr China’s success during a new phase of China's automotive industry.
Michael Baitinger stated:
“I’m incredibly excited to become a member of our Dürr China Team at the beginning of 2024. With our employees’ remarkable performance, our strong teamwork, our professional conduct, and new ideas, we will continue to offer the best service and solutions to our customers.”
Michael Baitinger will take over as President and CEO of Dürr Paintshop Systems Engineering (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. on January 1, 2024. Jiang Ming (55) will continue to work as CFO.
