Claas is changing its management structure at the start of the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, and with the new structure comes the position of chief executive officer. 

Thomas Böck will serve as the company's first CEO. He will be responsible for the Division of Technology and Systems within the Group Executive Board. 

Hermann Lohbeck, who was previously Speaker of the Group Executive Board and responsible for forage harvesting, strategy and corporate communications, has chosen to leave the company to move onto new challenges. 

Böck is an electrical engineer. He began his professional career as a vehicle systems developer. He went on to serve in a series of leadership roles at organizations manufacturing farm equipment and commercial vehicles and led the development of electronic and hydraulic systems. 

Böck joined the Claas Group in 2006.