After a turbulent time for the sim racing hardware manufacturer, which included dismissing founder Thomas Jackermeier from his position leading the business, parent company Endor AG and Fanatec appoint Andres Ruff as new chairman and CEO.
The news was revealed in a statement shared via social media, as the current CRO takes the new position with immediate effect. And he acknowledged some of the issues which have currently impacted the brand, particularly around stock and logistics.
“I am thrilled to join Fanatec and work with this passionate team. Right now, my priority is to tackle delivery issues arising from overwhelming demand. Rest assured, we are diligently working to return to optimal operations. Once resolved, we’ll refocus our energy on crafting remarkable sim racing hardware.”
His experience transforming and restructing medium-sized companies is mentioned, along with a thank you to Thomas Jackermeier.
Much of Ruff’s experience has been as a business consultant, mainly in the food and beverage sector. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the majority of the problems currently experienced by Fanatec are down to supply, delivery and customer service, rather than the actual sim racing hardware. And Jackermeier will still remain at Fanatec in “another capacity”, with the company recently unveiling their new CSL sim racing cockpit.
Whether or not you prefer Fanatec hardware or other brands, the key thing is that anyone spending money gets the products and service that they deserve, regardless of which sim racing equipment company they choose to shop from. And we can judge sim racing wheels, cockpits and more on how they perform, rather than guessing whether you’ll receive them in good time.
The move should also help to improve the chances of extending the existing standstill agreement with lending banks who have currently funded Fanatec with around €25 million to support the relocation of the business to a new headquarters in Landshut.
Check out all our coverage of the Fanatec range of sim racing wheels and pedals, here, along with everything related to the company. And all the latest Sim Racing Industry News, here.
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