10/08/2018 | Press release

Klaus Kappen, 49, formerly Head of R&D Coordination and Special Projects for Land Systems, has taken up his duties as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Rheinmetall Defence. In charge of the newly established CTO department at Rheinmetall headquarters, Mr Kappen reports directly to the Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, Armin Papperger.

In his newly created post, he will be responsible for growing and maintaining Rheinmetall Defence’s technological expertise as well as for coordinating all research and development projects at Defence. His duties include taking part in the formulation and execution of corporate strategy in line with the imperatives of a pioneering technology developer and system supplier.

Furthermore, Klaus Kappen is responsible at Rheinmetall for identifying and analysing future equipment requirements of the armed forces and evaluating new products. Drawing on his longstanding experience in military R&D and technology, he will assist relevant departments of Rheinmetall Defence in preparing comprehensive system concepts for major projects of the armed forces.

Klaus Kappen joined Rheinmetall on 1 January 2018. Prior to this he headed the Land and Key Account Manager Army department at IABG mbH in Ottobrunn, where he was responsible for all activities relating to Bundeswehr ground forces.