In the second quarter of 2026, IDEAL and AKE are reorganizing their structure, sending a clear signal for even closer collaboration between the two companies. The realignment in the areas of executive management, quality management, sales, and product management strengthens the joint strategic direction and underlines the commitment to production sites in Austria.
A key change concerns the executive management
As of May 1, 2026, Heiko Gabbert has joined the executive management team of IDEAL and AKE. In his role as COO/CTO, he has assumed operational responsibility for the day-to-day business activities of both companies.
Heiko Gabbert brings extensive international experience from senior leadership positions. He began his professional career as a project manager before serving for more than two decades as Managing Director at Polytec starting in 2003. From 2018 onwards, he additionally held the position of Board Member/COO. During this time, he was operationally responsible for up to 20 production sites and around 4,500 employees worldwide.
“We are very pleased to have gained an experienced manager with strong professional and strategic expertise in IDEAL and AKE with Heiko Gabbert. His international experience will make an important contribution to the further development of our companies.”
CEO Peter Habersatter
Responsibilities in the areas of sales, product management, and quality management are being restructured
Bernd Ofner, previously Head of Sales at IDEAL, will assume overall responsibility for sales management across both companies in the future. The goal is to further align market activities, provide even more comprehensive customer support, and strategically expand existing market potential.
At the same time, Stephan Radosevic, who has served as Head of Sales at AKE for more than 20 years, will take over responsibility for the product management of both companies. In this role, he will further integrate the product strategies of IDEAL and AKE, drive portfolio development, and strengthen the market orientation of the products.
Efforts are also being consolidated in the area of quality management
Simon Schrall, previously Head of Quality Management at IDEAL, will assume cross-site responsibility for quality management across both companies in the future. This step will further harmonize and sustainably develop quality standards, processes, and certifications in order to ensure the long-term high product quality of IDEAL and AKE.
These personnel decisions create clear responsibilities and foster collaboration across both companies.
“By realigning our leadership structure, we are strengthening the collaboration between IDEAL and AKE in a sustainable way. Through consolidated responsibility in production, engineering, quality management, sales, and product management, we are creating the foundation for even more innovative solutions and optimal customer support.”
CEO Peter Habersatter
