Bender is further expanding its strategic corporate development: Frank Baier took up the newly created position of Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) on 1 August 2026. In this role, he is responsible for the cross-divisional development of the business units and the strategic direction of future growth areas. He reports directly to CEO Michael Breuer and joins Bender’s Executive Leadership Team.
By introducing the role of CBDO, Bender is embedding business development even more firmly within its corporate strategy. The aim is to identify market potential at an early stage, tap into attractive segments and drive forward the further development of the product, solution and service portfolio in a targeted manner. In doing so, the new division will play a central role in integrating the market, strategy and operational implementation.
“If we are to consider today where Bender should be in ten years’ time, we must set the right course today. With the new CBDO role, we are creating the organisational framework to recognise market opportunities at an early stage, further develop strategic business areas and integrate our business units even more closely with one another. Frank Baier brings the experience and understanding of our markets, which is needed to successfully fulfil this role,” explains Michael Breuer, CEO of Bender.
Frank Baier has more than 25 years’ experience at the interface of technology, markets and business development. He began his career in industrial automation and software development, later taking on technical and sales responsibilities in the fields of visualisation solutions, energy management and industrial communication. Since joining Bender in 2012, he initially headed up global marketing before taking over responsibility for the Industrial Solutions business unit in 2018. In this role, he played a key part in shaping the establishment and strategic development of the business unit.
“I look forward to actively helping to shape the future of Bender together with the business units. I see business development as a bridge between strategy, the market and implementation. This bridge becomes particularly strong when different perspectives come together and we work together across functions and business units to find the best solutions for our customers,” says Frank Baier.
Alongside Michael Breuer (CEO), Michael Fischer (CTO), Christian Jerkel (COO) and Steve Mason (CRO), Frank Baier will in future help shape the strategic development of Bender at executive level.