Having shaped the fortunes of the instrument maker over decades, no-one knows VEGA as well as he does: Günter Kech. After more than 50 years at VEGA, 25 of which were spent in management, the passionate tinkerer and innovative mastermind was given a festive send-off into retirement.

The recent Christmas party in the Ortenauhalle in Offenburg, attended by around 1,100 employees and numerous guests of honour, provided a worthy setting for Günter Kech’s farewell. The evening featured entertaining retrospectives, emotional memories and admiration for his life’s work at VEGA. 

His motto: “Just do it”
“Günter Kech always concentrated on what VEGA can do, and what makes VEGA special – and always had his eye on the future, with all its challenges and great opportunities,” emphasised Elfriede Rauber and Edgar Schillinger, Kech’s long-time associates at VEGA. His motto “Just do it” is substantiated by numerous decisions and successes – including the development of the first two-wire radar sensor, which was launched on the market in 1997, laying the foundation for VEGA’s global market leadership. Translated into English, his motto can also be understood to mean “Make it simple”. Both meanings of his guiding principle were equally important to Günter Kech: Trying things out, daring to initiate a project without overthinking it from the start – and developing instruments and solutions so that they work as simply as possible for users.  

Personal words of farewell
Managing Partner Isabel Grieshaber described Kech as “one of the most curious people at VEGA”, who always wanted to know what was going on and who unceasingly strove to make things even better. She herself learned a lot from him. “No-one has influenced my life as much as you have,” she said, thanking her mentor very personally. Even though Günter Kech will be sorely missed in the current management trio, “thanks to you, Markus and I have grown such large wings that we’re now able to fly without you,” said Isabel. Her speech was followed by several minutes of applause from the VEGA employees, who wanted to express their appreciation for Kech’s extraordinary commitment to the company.

Looking back on a very special career
Günter Kech himself recalled his beginnings at VEGA, when he started his training as an electronics technician in 1971. What followed was a career that is truly unparalleled. After successfully holding numerous positions in the company, which involved, among other things, establishing product management and heading German sales, the Kirnbach native was appointed to senior management on 1 August 1999. “I’ve always seen myself as a direction setter, decision-maker and service provider for all employees,” explained Kech. His passion for VEGA was expressed in many ways. “I worked hard, invested a lot of my life in VEGA – and have been amply rewarded by the successes we’ve had,” he emphasised. Now he’s looking forward to handing over responsibility and having more time for his family. “I would like to thank everyone who worked with me on VEGA’s success. Because, it wasn’t just me – it was all of us together as a team,” he said in conclusion.

As of 1 January 2025, the company's fortunes will be in the hands of Isabel Grieshaber and Markus Kniesel, who will then manage the company as a duo. 

 

Find out more