ZF Group has appointed Christopher Rimmele as the new Head of Communications for its Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) business unit as of May 1, 2025. The appointment is in line with ZF’s intention to further edge its communications strategy for the commercial vehicle business.
Rimmele has more than corporate communications experience, having managed communications for ZF LIFETEC, once known as the Passive Safety Systems division. He was instrumental in rebranding the division during its carve-out process’s milestone moment. Strategically, the rebrand to ZF LIFETEC was undertaken to consolidate with international safety standards and automotive trends, preparing the division for long-term profitability and growth.
Prior to joining ZF, Rimmele held senior communications positions at Mahle, a global leading automotive supplier headquartered in Stuttgart. He served as the company’s Head of Technical Press OE and Press Aftermarket and was in charge of leading the company’s technical communications. His background also involves consultancy positions in agencies including Navos Public Dialogue Consultants, where he worked with specialization in automotive industry communications. He has academic qualifications in political science and English.
ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions: Innovation-Driven
Integration at ZF to CVS commenced January 1, 2022, upon its acquisition of WABCO back in 2020. After integration, ZF is a commercial vehicle technology global leader through vehicle dynamics, safety solutions, and digital components all united in one house.
The future mobility business segment caters to the future of mobility with a diverse portfolio of autonomous driving, electric mobility, digitalization of the fleet, and shared transportation. With access to the latest technology, ZF seeks to empower truck, bus, and trailer manufacturers and operators of fleets in order to better deal with an ever-changing business environment.
Transition of Leadership
Rimmele succeeds Florian Laudan, who led the communications for the commercial vehicle unit at ZF since July 2024 as Head of ZF Group Communications. His office will be tasked with providing clarity in strategic communication and further continue to develop innovative solutions globally.
With his corporate communications background and intimate knowledge of the auto industry, Rimmele will spearhead communications of the CVS division, positioning ZF as a highly rated global commercial vehicle technology leader.