SPIE: Gauthier Louette Steps Down, New Governance Starting April
On March 6, 2026, the SPIE Board of Directors announced the appointment of Markus Holzke as the new CEO and Patrick Jeantet as the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective following the annual general meeting of shareholders on April 30, 2026.
Leadership Transition at SPIE
Gauthier Louette, the current Chairman and CEO of SPIE, has informed the Board of his decision not to seek renewal of his position at the end of his term, which concludes on April 30, 2026. This decision is in line with the age limit set by the SPIE statutes. Markus Holzke will assume the role of CEO following this annual general meeting. Patrick Jeantet, who has been the Lead Director since 2022, will be appointed as the non-executive Chairman of the Board on the same date. The Board also decided to propose the nomination of Markus Holzke as a Board member at the upcoming annual general meeting.
New Governance Structure Adopted
The Board has adopted a new governance structure that separates the roles of the Chairman of the Board and the CEO. Markus Holzke, 52, has been leading SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria (formerly SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa) since 2014, growing it from approximately 650 million euros to 3.6 billion euros in revenue. This entity accounts for about 35% of the Group's consolidated production and EBITA in 2025. Holzke joined SPIE in 2013 as part of the acquisition of Hochtief Service Solutions and has overseen several significant acquisitions, including that of the SAG Group in 2017.
