Katadyn Group, the manufacturer of outdoor hydration, nutrition and cooking systems serving a wide range of industries, including outdoor recreation, marine and tactical, has appointed Karl A. Baumann as chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2025.
Baumann brings over 20 years of international leadership experience in manufacturing, operations and business development across industrial and consumer sectors. He succeeds Andreas Steiner, who served as interim CEO for nine months and remains on the company’s board of directors.
“Katadyn Group has a strong foundation of innovation, trusted brands and global manufacturing capabilities,” said Baumann. “Since stepping into the role, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many of our teams and facilities around the world. These firsthand insights confirm the scale of our potential—to grow our business, improve operational efficiency and further strengthen our position across both institutional and consumer markets.”
Before this position, Baumann served as CEO of Ferrum Process Systems Group, a global specialist in separation technology. Previously, he spent over 15 years with the Holcim Group, where he held senior international roles and served as a member of the European Executive Committee. His career also includes executive positions at Regent Beleuchtungstechnik, Designa Axess and Ensico AG.
In addition to his corporate leadership experience, Baumann co-founded a cleantech startup focused on water-saving technologies for outdoor equipment manufacturers.
Images courtesy Katadyn Group, LinkedIn
