06.04.2026

Gantner Electronic Appoints New Managing Director: Xabier Martínez de Apellaniz Succeeds Elmar Hartmann

Gantner

After more than two decades as head of the company, Elmar Hartmann is handing over the management. As of April 1, 2026, Xabier Apellaniz has officially taken over leadership of the internationally operating technology company. Elmar Hartmann will leave the company at the end of April. This transition marks an important milestone in the company’s history and at the same time stands for continuity and further development at Gantner Electronic.

“Elmar Hartmann has shaped Gantner over many years with exceptional dedication, strategic clarity, and entrepreneurial vision. Under his leadership, the company evolved from a regional provider into an internationally recognized technology leader. This development has been of great importance not only for Gantner, but also for the entire SALTO WECOSYSTEM. At the same time, we are delighted to appoint Xabier Martínez de Apellaniz, an internationally experienced leader who combines strategic excellence with a deep understanding of innovation and global markets. We are confident that he will further strengthen Gantner’s successful position and drive new momentum for sustainable growth."
Marc Gomez
CEO of SALTO WECOSYSTEM

Defining Years Under Elmar Hartmann

Elmar Hartmann joined the company in 1996 and took over full management responsibility in 2003. Over his years in leadership, Gantner Electronic developed consistently – evolving from a regionally rooted company into an internationally recognized technology leader.

Today, Gantner Electronic employs around 180 people at its headquarters in Nüziders, nearly 400 worldwide, and a total of approximately 1,850 employees within the group. A key milestone was the integration into the SALTO WECOSYSTEM Group about five years ago. This merger significantly strengthened the company’s international position and opened up new growth perspectives within a global technology network.

“I look back with great gratitude and pride on Gantner’s development. It has always been my goal to build sustainable structures, strengthen the company’s innovative capabilities, and create real value for our customers and partners. I am confident that Gantner is ideally positioned for the future thanks to its outstanding team, and I am pleased to hand over the leadership to very capable hands.”
Elmar Hartmann
Former CEO, Gantner Electronic GmbH

New Leadership, New Perspectives

With Xabier Apellaniz, an internationally experienced leader is taking over as Managing Director of Gantner Electronic. He has been part of SALTO WECOSYSTEM since 2019 and most recently was responsible for corporate strategy and key future-oriented projects.In his new role, he will particularly drive the company’s further international development as well as strengthen collaboration within the group.

“Gantner stands for innovation, technological excellence, and strong customer relationships. I am excited to work with the entire Gantner team, both in Nüziders and across our international locations, and to collaborate with colleagues around the world. I am looking forward to shaping the company’s next phase of development, unlock new growth opportunities, and further expand its international footprint. At the same time, it is important to me to build on the strong foundation established by Elmar Hartmann.”
Xabier Martínez
CEO, Gantner Electronic GmbH

Continuity and Further Development

With this leadership transition, Gantner Electronic is deliberately focusing on continuity and a forward-looking approach. Its strong position in the international market, innovative capabilities, and close collaboration within SALTO WECOSYSTEM provide a solid foundation for the next phase of development.

Gantner Electronic sincerely thanks Elmar Hartmann for his many years of impactful leadership and warmly welcomes Xabier Apellaniz in his new role.