Global leader in hydration, nutrition and cooking systems welcomes new CEO with extensive international leadership experience

KEMPTTHAL, Switzerland –– Katadyn Group, the global leader in outdoor hydration, nutrition and cooking systems, today announced the appointment of Karl A. Baumann as chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2025. Baumann brings more than 20 years of international leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, and business development across industrial and consumer sectors.

Baumann succeeds Andreas Steiner, who served as interim CEO for nine months. Since assuming the role, Baumann has traveled extensively across Europe, North America and Asia, meeting with customers, and engaging with employees across Katadyn Group’s offices and manufacturing sites.

“Katadyn Group has a strong foundation built on customer relationships, deep expertise, innovation, trusted brands, and global manufacturing capabilities,” said Baumann. “Since stepping into the role, I’ve had the opportunity to visit all our teams and facilities around the world. These firsthand insights confirm the scale of our potential—to grow our business by further strengthening our position across both institutional and consumer markets, while continuing to elevate our operational excellence.”

Baumann, 57, most recently served as CEO of Ferrum Process Systems Group, a global specialist in separation technology. Prior to that, he was leading Desinga Axess Industry Holding, Regent Beleuchtungstechnick as well as Enswico AG and spent more than 15 years with Holcim Group, where he held several senior management positions in international roles and served as a member of the European Executive Committee.

"We are pleased to welcome Karl A. Baumann as CEO," said the Katadyn Group board of directors in a statement. "His leadership capabilities, global perspective and innovation-driven approach make him well suited to guide Katadyn Group into its next chapter."

About Katadyn Group

Katadyn Group is a global leader in sustainable hydration, nutrition and cooking solutions, driven by its purpose: sustaining life no matter where. The company serves a wide range of industries—from outdoor recreation and marine to tactical, emergency preparedness and humanitarian aid—offering products that support self-sufficiency in the world’s most challenging environments.

Its portfolio includes trusted brands such as Katadyn, Trek’n Eat, AlpineAire Foods, Optimus and Spectra Watermakers, providing advanced water purification systems, freeze-dried meals and portable cooking gear. Katadyn Group operates globally with manufacturing facilities in Europe and the United States.

Press Contact:

Brook Hopper
Marketing Director, Katadyn North America
brook.h@katadyn.com
+1-805-340-5034