SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts AG has appointed Alexander Guntzel as Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Management Board, effective 16 November 2026, the company announced. He succeeds Kai Oppermann, who will step down by mutual agreement at the end of 15 November 2026. The appointment signals a strategic push to industrialize and scale production as demand for mission-critical antenna mast systems grows in the defense and security sectors.
Guntzel brings more than 20 years of experience in operational management of international manufacturing companies. Since 2022, he has worked for investment firm AEQUITA, most recently as Director Operations, and concurrently served as COO of the Willi Elbe Group. His expertise includes transforming industrial companies and establishing, ramping up and developing production sites. At SMAG, he will be responsible for production and quality management, with a focus on scaling manufacturing, ensuring reliable production processes and enhancing quality management.
The leadership change matters because SMAG generates substantially all of its net sales from defense and is a leading European specialist manufacturer of self-supporting, guy-wire free mobile antenna mast systems for military applications. Its systems perform demanding tasks in mobile communications, particularly in defense and security applications. As a trusted partner to more than 50 defense primes, OEMs and government agencies worldwide, including 15 NATO militaries, the company’s ability to deliver high-quality, reliable products at scale is critical to its customers.
Esra Himmel, Chair of the Supervisory Board, said: “With Alexander Guntzel, we are gaining a Management Board member with extensive operational experience and hands-on expertise in the industrialisation and scaling of complex production processes. Quality, reliability and the ability to deliver are crucial to our customers in the defense and security sectors.” Ulrich Feindt, Chair of the Management Board, added: “Our antenna mast systems perform demanding tasks in mobile communications – particularly in defense and security applications. With Alexander Guntzel, we aim to further develop our industrial capabilities in a targeted manner and align our manufacturing with our customers’ requirements.”
The appointment also comes as SMAG, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Salzgitter, Germany, employs approximately 170 people and continues to expand its role as a key supplier to NATO forces and defense contractors. Guntzel’s term runs until 31 December 2028. Feindt thanked Oppermann for his dedication and contribution to SMAG’s development. The full release is available via www.newmediawire.com.
