Timo Imbrogno
Gudrun Scharler Appointed CEO of Riedel Networks
Wuppertal, June 2, 2026 – The Riedel Group today announced the appointment of Gudrun Scharler as CEO of Riedel Networks. She succeeds Michael Martens, who has led Riedel Networks since 2012 and will support a structured handover through the end of August.
“Michael has shaped Riedel Networks with exceptional commitment, entrepreneurial spirit, and a clear sense for what customers need,” said Frank Eischet, Riedel Group COO. “We are deeply grateful for everything he has achieved over the past 14 years. At the same time, we are excited to welcome Gudrun as the new CEO of Riedel Networks. With her strong leadership background in telecommunications, operations, and transformation, she is the right person to guide the company into its next phase of development.”
Scharler brings extensive executive experience from leading telecommunications and technology companies, where she has improved operational performance, led customer-focused transformation, and managed complex organizations. Her track record includes key roles at Unitymedia, where she served as Chief Operations Officer, as well as senior leadership positions at Nets Group, E-Plus, Sunrise Communications, and Telefónica Germany. Most recently, she expanded her leadership experience through roles at Canyon Bicycles and P2 eBike GmbH.
“Riedel Networks is a great company with a strong team, a clear customer focus, and significant potential for further development,” said Scharler. “I am very much looking forward to getting to know the team and working together to continue the company’s transformation while preserving the flexibility, speed, and collaborative spirit that make Riedel Networks special. I would also like to thank Michael for the open and structured handover and for the strong foundation he has built.”
Since assuming leadership of Riedel Networks in 2012, Martens has guided the company through a period of significant growth, helping to scale its business in secure networks and IT security. During his tenure, Riedel Networks grew from €2.8 million in revenue and 12 employees to €24 million and 70 employees.
“Riedel Networks has been a defining part of my professional journey, and I am proud of the company we have developed together,” said Martens. “Gudrun is taking over a company with strong momentum, and I look forward to supporting her as she leads Riedel Networks into its next chapter.”
Gudrun Scharler takes the helm from Michael Martens as RIEDEL Networks new CEO.
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About Riedel Communications
Riedel Communications is a leading provider of live production tools in the worlds of media, sports, and entertainment. The company develops and delivers solutions for video/audio infrastructures, intercom, live video production, and broadcast control. Its expansive portfolio also includes Private 5G networks, as well as SD-WAN and MPLS solutions. Thanks to Riedel's holistic approach, its three business units — Product Division, Managed Technology Division, and Networks Division — can leverage powerful synergies to provide flexible infrastructures, tools, and services for both fixed and temporary installations around the globe, enabling Riedel customers to run even the most complex projects on-site, remotely, or in the cloud. Headquartered in Wuppertal, Germany, Riedel employs over 1,000 people in 30 locations throughout Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Americas.
Further information about Riedel and the company’s products is available at www.riedel.net.
Über Riedel Networks
Riedel Networks is a global, privately held provider of customized network solutions, network security, and IT security. We are listed in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Global WAN Services as a niche provider specializing in mid-sized international enterprises and the media and events sector. With our own global backbone, we help companies to be connected worldwide. Our services include internet connectivity, MPLS, SD-WAN, SASE, Cloud Connect, security, and much more. Our customers come from various industries and value quality, security, and reliability. Riedel Networks is a 100% company of the Riedel Communications Group in Wuppertal, Germany, and is fully privately owned by Thomas Riedel.
Further information about Riedel Networks can be found at www.riedel-networks.net.
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