Paris-based global technology conglomerate Thales Group has appointed Christoph Ruffner as Thales Germany’s CEO and country director, effective Jan. 1.
Ruffner will work under Philippe Duhamel, Thales executive vice president for defense mission systems.
His predecessor, Oliver Dorre, who left Thales on Dec. 31, is set to join defense electronics company Hensoldt as its CEO starting April 1, Defense News reported Tuesday.
Before his Thales appointment, Ruffner headed the spectrum dominance and airborne solutions division at Hensoldt, where he was also a member of the company’s executive committee. Ruffner’s previous jobs also included management roles in the Airbus Group’s sales, business development and transformation activities.
As Thales Germany’s head, Ruffner oversees about 2,000 employees in nine locations with individual production and development facilities. The product portfolio under him includes reconnaissance, radar, communication and information systems and cybersecurity solutions, as well as land, air and sea security services. In addition, Thales Germany develops and produces satellite components at its Ulm location.
