Gerhard Sturm, one of the company founders and Honorary Chairman of the Advisory Board of ebm‑papst, celebrates his 90th birthday on December 17. For over 40 years, Gerhard Sturm managed the business of the ebm‑papst Group as CEO and, with his innovative ideas, made a major contribution to the company's development into a global technology leader. After retiring from operational business in 2007, he continued to support the company in an advisory capacity for many years as Chairman of the Advisory Board.

The successful entrepreneur looks back on an eventful life and an extraordinary career: Born on December 17, 1934 as the third of five children in Künzelsau-Nagelsberg, Gerhard Sturm initially began training as a mechanical fitter in Esslingen at the age of 14 before moving to fan manufacturer Ziehl-Abegg. After passing his master craftsman's examination, Gerhard Sturm was first appointed plant assistant and then, at the age of 26 years old, he was appointed technical manager of external rotor motor production. Together with his mentor, Heinz Ziehl, and his brother, Günther Ziehl, he finally founded the company Elektrobau Mulfingen in 1963, from which today's ebm‑papst Group emerged. Starting with 35 employees, the company grew under the leadership of Gerhard Sturm to become the world's leading manufacturer of fans and motors.Today, ebm‑papst employs around 14,000 people around the globe and achieves a turnover of more than 2 billion euros a year.

As managing shareholder, Gerhard Sturm always trusted his employees and shaped the group of companies with his pioneering spirit and courage to break new ground. His guiding principle “Every new product must outperform its predecessor ecologically and economically” still characterizes ebm‑papst today. Values such as diligence, trust and humanity characterized his work and are still firmly anchored in ebm‑papst's culture today.

In addition to his entrepreneurial achievements, Gerhard Sturm has also been committed to a number of social causes in the region over the past decades. For example, he was committed to promoting education and training and held honorary positions in universities, business and local politics. As a long-standing member of the Heilbronn University Council, he played a key role in supporting the establishment and expansion of the Künzelsau campus.

Gerhard Sturm was politically active for many decades on the district and municipal councils and as deputy mayor. His local involvement is particularly evident in his participation in various sports clubs: Sturm played tennis and soccer passionately for many years and was active in the singing club in Mulfingen, which he co-founded, for over 30 years.

Gerhard Sturm's entrepreneurial activities and social commitment have been honored several times. On the 25th anniversary of the ebm‑papst Group, for example, he received the Federal Cross of Merit. He has also been honored with the Medal of Merit of the State of Baden-Württemberg and the Rudolf Diesel Medal, the highest award for inventors.

Sturm is celebrating his 90th birthday with his family and closest companions.