CEO Gerhard Körber is retiring

End of extension

Gerhard Körber retired at the end of August at the age of 66. Birner interviewed the member of management again.

B: After your long career in IAM, what motivated you to start again at Birner in 2020?

GK: I worked at ZF for almost 30 years, most recently as Vice President EEMEA Aftermarket, when I received the tempting offer from Birner shortly before the end of my career. Bringing my experience to one of the few family businesses in the industry and thus setting the course for the future of the completely self-financed company was very attractive and convinced me to return to Vienna professionally and thus extend my stay.

B: What milestones did you celebrate at Birner?

GK: Quite a few in 5 years! (laughs) I placed particular focus on expanding cooperation at the international level (ADI) and at the national level (DACH) by joining CARAT. I particularly remember the official announcement as a shareholder of CARAT. After two intensive years of preparation and negotiations, we finally achieved a breakthrough in 2022. In this way, Birner was able to consolidate its market leadership in Austria and strengthen local supplier agreements.

A particularly exciting project was the development of the internal organization with the establishment of the first management level and the strengthening of the existing second management level. Our most important capital is our employees and they must be in good hands.

B: What is your prediction about the future of Birner in connection with IAM?

GK: I would like to say one thing in advance: I had a really great 5 years at Birner and together with the entire team we were able to achieve a lot of positive things. This also creates the basis for long-term successful performance. Thanks to strategic planning, the expansion path is specified and can also be implemented. I hope that the Birner team always keeps my success formula, the “magic triangle,” in mind: increase sales, reduce costs, reduce purchasing prices.

B: What projects are on the agenda in your “retirement”?

GK: I am happy I look forward to more time with my family, which this extension has made possible for me. I would like to give back as much of this as possible in my retirement. In addition, I will be doing more physical activity and I certainly won’t miss out on a good book or concert!