Christiane Schaufler-Münch passed away last Wednesday at the age of 90. With her death, her shares will transfer to THE SCHAUFLER FOUNDATION. Like her husband, Senator h. c. Peter Schaufler, Christiane Schaufler-Münch particularly valued the connections with people in and around BITZER, the art world and society. When Peter Schaufler, owner and CEO of the BITZER Group, unexpectedly passed away in 2015, Christiane Schaufler-Münch took over the role as Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of BITZER SE and Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of THE SCHAUFLER FOUNDATION – roles she fulfilled for many years.

Christiane Schaufler-Münch was known throughout her life for her unparalleled humanity, warmth, modesty and elegance. With her personality, her way of staying in the background, and her strong presence when she was physically present, she strengthened the sense of unity at BITZER.

"Mrs. Schaufler-Münch was a unique and impressive personality who, like her husband, significantly shaped the culture of our company," says Christian Wehrle, CEO of the BITZER Group. "We are all deeply affected by the loss and at the same time very grateful for what Mrs. Schaufler-Münch has done for all of us, for the company BITZER and also for society. We will devote all our energy to continuing the legacy of Mrs. Schaufler-Münch and Mr. Schaufler in their spirit."

Already in August 2024 Christiane Schaufler-Münch transferred her role as Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of BITZER SE to Dr. Martin Brudermüller, great-nephew of Peter Schaufler, former CEO of BASF SE and current Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Mercedes Benz Group AG. Dr. Brudermüller will now also take over the role as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
THE SCHAUFLER FOUNDATION. The Supervisory Board has appointed Christian Wehrle as
CEO of BITZER SE for another three years until the end of 2028. With THE SCHAUFLER FOUNDATION, founded by Christiane Schaufler-Münch and Peter Schaufler in 2005, and the two personnel measures, the entrepreneurial independence of BITZER is ensured for its employees, partners and customers.

Outstanding commitment to art and society

Christiane Schaufler-Münch and Peter Schaufler were always committed to the common good. THE SCHAUFLER FOUNDATION aims to bring together entrepreneurship, science, research and art. The foundation supports scientific work in refrigeration and air conditioning technology through primarily scholarships and endowed professorships.

In addition, the Schauflers supported social institutions and made their extensive art collection of over 3,500 works accessible to the public at SCHAUWERK Sindelfingen since 2010. Since then, the museum has gained an excellent reputation locally and regionally with its exhibitions. As a place for engaging with contemporary art, SCHAUWERK Sindelfingen will continue in the spirit of Christiane Schaufler-Münch and Peter Schaufler.

The family has said their goodbyes in private.

As an independent specialist for refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump technology, BITZER is present all over the world: with products and services for refrigeration, air conditioning and process cooling as well as transport, BITZER ensures optimum temperature conditions for trade in goods, industry processes and indoor climate control – always striving for the highest possible energy efficiency and quality. BITZER is represented all over the world with 75 sites in 41 countries, including its sales companies and production facilities. Trade and service partners included, the BITZER network of manufacturing, development and sales extends to almost all countries in the world. In 2024, more than 4,500 employees generated a turnover of €1.12 billion; expenditure for research and development totalled €67 million.

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