Leadership Change at Wolffkran: Peter Schiefer Returns as Group CEO
- Meagan Wood
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Wolffkran has reappointed Peter Schiefer as group chief executive, effective April 1st, as part of a leadership restructuring to support global expansion. Current CEO Duncan Salt will transition to regional CEO for the Middle East & Asia Pacific, while remaining on the board. The move reflects the company’s focus on strengthening its presence in key growth markets.
Schiefer Returns to Lead Wolffkran
German tower crane manufacturer and rental group Wolffkran has announced the return of Peter Schiefer as group chief executive.
The leadership change will take effect on April 1st, with Schiefer stepping back into the CEO role he previously held before 2019. His return marks a strategic move aimed at guiding the company through its next phase of international growth.
Duncan Salt Moves to Regional Growth Role
As part of the transition, current chief executive Duncan Salt, who has led Wolffkran since 2019, will take on the role of regional chief executive for the Middle East & Asia Pacific.
Salt will also retain his seat on the main board, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategic direction.
The company said the move is intended to
“align the organisation with its strategy of international expansion,”
while allowing Salt to focus on targeted development in emerging markets.
Strategic Focus on International Expansion
The leadership reshuffle reflects Wolffkran’s increasing emphasis on expanding its global footprint, particularly in high-growth regions.
Peter Schiefer said:
“We are convinced that this is the right step to position our leadership for the future. With Duncan Salt, we are placing an industry expert in a role where his expertise will have the greatest impact. Together, we successfully entered the Saudi market, and we will continue along this path of growth.”
He added that the company’s board appreciates Salt’s leadership and is confident the business will continue to benefit from his experience.
Strong Performance in Key Markets
Wolffkran highlighted recent successes under Salt’s leadership, particularly in the United States and France.
According to the company:
The US market accounted for roughly a quarter of total revenue in 2024
The rental fleet in France has continued to grow steadily
Schiefer noted that Salt has already demonstrated strong leadership in developing these markets, reinforcing the rationale behind his new regional role.
Duncan Salt to Drive Emerging Market Growth
Commenting on his new position, Duncan Salt said:
“I am excited to focus even more on the group’s growth markets and establish Wolffkran's global presence in areas of strong construction activity.”
His new role will centre on expanding Wolffkran’s operations in regions with rising infrastructure demand, particularly across the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Longstanding Leadership Continuity
Both executives bring deep experience within the organisation.
Duncan Salt joined Wolffkran in 2015 following the company’s acquisition of HTC, where he had served as director and general manager since 2012. After the acquisition, he became head of international sales before being appointed group CEO in 2019.
Peter Schiefer, meanwhile, has longstanding ties to the business. He led the Swiss/German private investment group that acquired Wolffkran from MAN in 2005, and subsequently took over as CEO. He held the role until handing over to Salt in 2019. His return signals a continuation of Wolffkran’s established leadership approach, combined with a renewed focus on global expansion.
About
Wolffkran is a Germany-based manufacturer and rental provider of tower cranes, serving construction markets worldwide. The company offers a wide range of cranes for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, supported by a global rental and service network. With a strong presence in Europe and growing operations in international markets, Wolffkran continues to focus on innovation, reliability, and strategic expansion.
Website: www.wolffkran.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new CEO of Wolffkran?
Peter Schiefer has been reappointed as group chief executive of Wolffkran, effective April 1st.
What role will Duncan Salt take on?
Duncan Salt will become regional CEO for the Middle East & Asia Pacific, while remaining a member of the company’s main board.
Why did Wolffkran make this leadership change?
The change is intended to support international expansion, allowing focused leadership in both global strategy and regional growth markets.
What markets are important to Wolffkran’s growth?
Key growth regions include the Middle East and Asia Pacific, alongside established markets such as the United States and France.
When did Duncan Salt become CEO of Wolffkran?
Duncan Salt was appointed group CEO in 2019 after previously serving as head of international sales.
What is Wolffkran known for?
Wolffkran is known for manufacturing and supplying tower cranes and providing rental solutions for construction projects worldwide.
