Immenstaad, Germany, 1 April, 2026—ZIM Aircraft Seating Group, designer and manufacturer of Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class seating solutions for commercial airlines, strengthens its corporate management: Stefan Kroll (62) will lead the Technology and Development Division of the aircraft seating manufacturer as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and President ZIM Germany. At the same time, he takes operative responsibility for the German sites.
The board of ZIM Aircraft Seating Group is thus composed of Raffael Rogg (CEO), Yvonne McConachie (Co-CEO), and Stefan Kroll (CTO).
Setting the strategic course for further growth
ZIM Group has seen steady growth in orders and capacity for years. By expanding its executive leadership team, the company is creating additional organizational stability to sustain this growth.
Stefan Kroll has more than 36 years of experience in the international industrial sector and brings extensive expertise in engineering, production systems, and technological transformation. Most recently, he served as General Manager and Managing Director at Bombardier Aviation Services in Berlin Schoenefeld. Prior to that, the graduate engineer held various senior positions in engineering, design, and general management, including roles at Adient Aerospace, MT Aerospace, Jet Aviation, and Airbus.
Expansion of facilities and scaling of production capacity
ZIM began expanding its engineering, production, and logistics facilities last year. The company plans to significantly expand its capacity in the coming years—particularly in Germany—in order to best meet the growing demand for aircraft seats.
With this appointment, the company is systematically advancing the integration of its global product strategy with the operational expansion of its sites. The goal is to strengthen the company’s industrial base while further improving efficiency and on-time delivery.
Focus on a growing international customer base
ZIM has acquired new customers and further expanded existing partnerships in recent months. At the same time, the product portfolio in the Economy and Premium Economy segments has been strategically enhanced to meet the growing demands of global airlines.
The appointment of Stefan Kroll supports the group’s long-term focus on sustainable growth, improved industrial processes, and a modern, globally connected development organization.
Statements
Raffael Rogg, CEO ZIM Aircraft Seating Group:
“With Stefan Kroll, we have brought on board a seasoned expert to further develop our technical and organizational structures worldwide. By expanding our board, we are laying the groundwork to shape our growth in a structured and forward-looking manner—with the goal of offering our customers innovative, sustainable, and comfortable seating solutions that make a measurable contribution to their economic success.”
Yvonne McConachie, Co-CEO:
“As the ZIM Group accelerates its expansion, a strengthened leadership team is critical to driving growth, enhancing performance, and sustaining long-term operational excellence.”
Stefan Kroll, Group CTO and President ZIM Germany:
„ZIM Aircraft Seating has grown significantly in recent years and is now one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aircraft seats. The company has a strong foundation and clear growth potential. I am very much looking forward to playing an active role in shaping the further development of the sites in Germany and the technological direction of the ZIM Group.“
About ZIM Aircraft Seating
ZIM Aircraft Seating Group is a global designer and manufacturer of Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class seating solutions for commercial airlines. Owned by AURELIUS, the group employs approximately 550 people across three locations in Germany and the United States. As one of the industry’s leading independent aircraft seat specialists, ZIM supplies major OEMs, including Boeing and Airbus, and serves a broad portfolio of international airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific.
Press Contact:
ZIM Aircraft Seating
Regina Glaser
Graf-von-Soden-Strasse 1
88090 Immenstaad
Email: Regina.Glaser@zim.aero
Mobile: +49 (0) 151 55465640
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