Riedel Networks names Gudrun Scharler as new CEO

The Riedel Group announced the appointment of Gudrun Scharler as chief executive officer of Riedel Networks.

She will succeed Michael Martens, who has led the company since 2012 and will assist with a structured handover through the end of August.

Frank Eischet, chief operating officer of the Riedel Group, said, “Michael has shaped Riedel Networks with exceptional commitment, entrepreneurial spirit, and a clear sense for what customers need. We are deeply grateful for everything he has achieved over the past 14 years. At the same time, we are excited to welcome Gudrun as the new CEO of Riedel Networks. With her strong leadership background in telecommunications, operations, and transformation, she is the right person to guide the company into its next phase of development.”

Scharler has held executive roles at telecommunications and technology companies including Unitymedia, where she was chief operations officer, as well as senior leadership positions at Nets Group, E-Plus, Sunrise Communications, and Telefónica Germany. More recently, she held leadership roles at Canyon Bicycles and P2 eBike GmbH.

In a statement, Scharler said, “Riedel Networks is a great company with a strong team, a clear customer focus, and significant potential for further development. I am very much looking forward to getting to know the team and working together to continue the company’s transformation while preserving the flexibility, speed, and collaborative spirit that make Riedel Networks special. I would also like to thank Michael for the open and structured handover and for the strong foundation he has built.”

Since 2012, Martens has overseen growth at Riedel Networks, expanding revenue from €2.8 million to €24 million and increasing staff from 12 to 70 employees. He said, “Riedel Networks has been a defining part of my professional journey, and I am proud of the company we have developed together. Gudrun is taking over a company with strong momentum, and I look forward to supporting her as she leads Riedel Networks into its next chapter.”

Riedel Communications, headquartered in Wuppertal, Germany, provides live production tools and solutions for media, sports, and entertainment sectors. Its product range includes video and audio infrastructures, intercom systems, live video production, broadcast control, private 5G networks, SD-WAN, and MPLS solutions. The company operates through three business units: Product Division, Managed Technology Division, and Networks Division, with over 1,000 employees across 30 locations worldwide.

Riedel Networks is a global provider of customized network solutions, network security, and IT security services. It is listed in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Global WAN Services as a niche provider serving mid-sized international enterprises and the media and events sector. Services include internet connectivity, MPLS, SD-WAN, SASE, Cloud Connect, and security solutions. Riedel Networks is fully owned by the Riedel Communications Group.