We'd like to introduce: Katharina Rohrmüller, Minitube's new CEO
As we turn the page to 2026, Minitube is beginning a new chapter. After decades of family ownership, a newly expanded executive team is taking the helm to shape the company’s future. Leading the way is Katharina Rohrmüller, who now assumes overall responsibility as CEO. With deep experience as CFO, she represents both continuity and a forward-looking vision for the years ahead. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on shaping Minitube’s future, the importance of corporate culture and sustainability, and what drives her personally.
Katharina, you will take on the overall responsibility as the new CEO for Minitube. What are you most looking forward to in this role?
How important is it to you that Minitube remains in family hands, and what opportunities do you see in combining family continuity with external know-how on the board?
Your studies and early career experiences were focused on Human Resources. How do they shape your leadership style and dealing with employees?
Minitube is known for responsible action. Which sustainability initiatives do you want to continue or start new?
Which professional experiences – at Minitube and beyond – have shaped you most?
Katharina, you will take on the overall responsibility as the new CEO for Minitube. What are you most looking forward to in this role?
What excites me most is the opportunity to carry forward our family company’s successful tradition while actively shaping its future. I’m particularly inspired by the collaboration within our newly expanded executive board. This setup brings together fresh perspectives and a wealth of expertise – a powerful combination that will drive Minitube into its next era.
If you had to name three keywords: what are the focus points for Minitube‘s future?
Without a doubt: growth, stability, and creativity. For me, these aren’t opposing forces – they actually reinforce one another. We aim for sustainable growth grounded in the stability of our family values. At the same time, we need creativity and the courage to explore new paths in order to stay ahead in a dynamic market.
You have already set important course as CFO, for example by expanding administration and logistics centers. How do these experiences shape your view as CEO?
My time as CFO – especially overseeing the logistics center and managing the construction of the new administration building – was the perfect preparation. Projects like these teach you how to navigate complexity, deal with the unexpected, make clear decisions, and unite people from diverse backgrounds toward a common goal. Turning strategic ideas into reality – while staying agile in the face of change – is an experience I draw on every day as CEO.
Minitube has been awarded multiple times for family-friendliness. How do you want to preserve this culture – and what new impulses do you want to set?
These awards reflect a core part of who we are – and I’m committed to preserving and expanding this culture. The foundation lies in open, respectful dialogue and a genuine commitment to equality. Moving forward, I see a key development in redefining family-friendliness through the lens of true flexibility. We need to move beyond rigid time models and design an organization that adapts to individual life stages and needs. That’s the modern path to balancing work and family.
How important is it to you that Minitube remains in family hands, and what opportunities do you see in combining family continuity with external know-how on the board?
Keeping Minitube in family hands is something I deeply care about. It ensures our long-term focus and our values remain intact. At the same time, I see the integration of external know-how on the board as a huge opportunity – it’s truly the best of both worlds. We combine the DNA of a family business with new insights and expertise. That helps us avoid getting caught in our own bubble, stay agile, and make well-rounded decisions for the future.
Your studies and early career experiences were focused on Human Resources. How do they shape your leadership style and dealing with employees?
My background in HR has shaped a people-first perspective. I strive to listen actively and genuinely understand my team’s point of view. Equally important to me is self-reflection – not taking yourself too seriously builds trust and openness. I believe in leading with authenticity and empathy.
How would you describe your leadership style – close, open, clear? Or is there a role model you look to?
Clarity defines my leadership style. I give a high degree of trust and encourage independence. I’m present when needed to support, but my goal is for teams to work autonomously. Clear goals and trust in people’s abilities – that’s the foundation of successful leadership in my eyes.
Minitube is known for responsible action. Which sustainability initiatives do you want to continue or start new?
Responsibility is a core value for us. We will continue to consistently investigate sustainable raw materials in product innovation and optimize our supply chains for efficiency and waste reduction. Beyond that, I want to encourage a mindset of questioning the status quo – even if it means challenging long-standing habits. Sustainability isn’t a project; it’s a mindset that must permeate every part of the organization.
As CFO you initiated the implementation of strategic energy self-sufficiency. What does this project mean for the company’s future?
It’s a milestone with a dual impact. Ecologically, it reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. Economically, it cuts production costs and boosts our competitiveness. It’s a perfect example of how sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.
How do you manage the balance between innovation pressure and healthy, responsible growth?
That is indeed one of the central tasks of corporate leadership. For me, the key is an agile and iterative approach. We define clear ambitions but continuously align them with our real possibilities and available resources. It’s not a rigid plan, but a continuous dialogue within the leadership team. This allows us to respond quickly to new opportunities without overextending ourselves. It’s about finding a healthy rhythm that fosters innovation while securing our long-term stability.
Which professional experiences – at Minitube and beyond – have shaped you most?
Like many others, it wasn’t the smooth successes that shaped me most, but the moments when things didn’t go as planned or when resistance arose. Those experiences teach humility, demand reflection, and often lead to the most creative solutions. What’s helped me most is maintaining a sense of optimism and lightness – seeing setbacks not as failures, but as valuable lessons we can grow from.
What motivates you personally in this key role as CEO?
The freedom to shape things is a powerful motivator. I’m proud to take on this responsibility and contribute to Minitube’s journey. It’s also a meaningful confirmation of the path I’ve taken and the effort I’ve put in.
If you look back on your time so far at Minitube: Which moment was a genuine highlight?
Honestly, it’s not the big milestones. What stays with me are the moments of human connection – celebrating wins as a team, supporting each other during tough times, or just knowing that you can rely on one another. These shared moments of trust and solidarity are what define the true strength of Minitube – and they’re my daily highlight.
Which values from your family or personal life accompany you also in your everyday working life?
There are three core values that guide me both personally and professionally: honesty, clarity, and loyalty. For me, honesty and clarity mean communicating openly and directly with each other, even when it comes to difficult topics. This creates a foundation of trust on which everything else is built. Loyalty means to me the foundation of any long-term relationship—whether with the company, with employees, or with our customers. These values are non-negotiable and shape how I make decisions and build relationships.
How do you find balance in your private life—where do you recharge your batteries?
I find the most important balance in my family and my closest friends. Talking with them grounds me and gives me stability and the right perspective on things. I actively cultivate this source of strength — for example, I talk on the phone with dear friends almost every morning! My second source of energy is nature, especially hiking in the mountains. Up there, I can switch off completely, clear my mind, and gather new strength for the challenges ahead.
Is there a motto or guiding principle that you personally live by?
There is something good in everything.
If you could give one message to your employees and customers as you take on your role as CEO, what would it be?
My message is simple: the good remains – and will get even better. We'll keep the values that have made Minitube strong, while also courageously breaking new ground to be successful together.
What headline would you like to see about Minitube under your leadership in a few years?
I would love to see a headline that reflects our vision, for example: „Minitube on a global growth path: How the Bavarian family business is conquering international markets with innovation and a strong team.“ Such a headline would perfectly sum up what we are working towards: using our deep roots as a stable foundation to grow boldly and continue our success story worldwide.
