EUROBAT elected Johann-Friedrich Dempwolff (General Manager, Vice President Industry and Governmental Relations Johnson Controls Power Solutions EMEA) as new president of the association for the next two years. The appointment took place last week during EUROBAT meetings in Rome, Italy. Mr Dempwolff has been a board member of the association for over two years and has served as chair of the automotive batteries committee for the past ten years. 

John Searle (Saft) and Andreas Bawart (Banner) will continue as vice-presidents for another mandate. The other board members of EUROBAT include Nicola Cosciani (FIAMM); Michael Ostermann (Exide Technologies); David Shaffer (EnerSys); Marc Zoellner (Hoppecke); Charles-Louis Ackermann (Accumalux) and Marcus Ulrich (ENTEK).

Following the event in Rome, Mr Dempwolff stated his satisfaction with the outcome of the meetings: “I am very honoured to take the lead of the association for the next two years. We notice growing opportunities for the further advancement of automotive and industrial Batteries of all technologies (lead, lithium, sodium and nickel). EUROBAT will continue its advocacy efforts towards decision-makers in Brussels, emphasising the sustainability of the Battery Industry and its contribution to the growth of different manufacturing sectors of the European economy.”

Johann-Friedrich Dempwolff Biography:

Johann-Friedrich Dempwolff has been Vice President Industry and Governmental Relations for Johnson Controls Power Solutions EMEA - Europe, Middle East and Africa since May 2012. Dempwolff started his career at Varta Autobatterie GmbH. He was employed in various sales and marketing positions in Canada, Spain and Germany. Mr Dempwolff has been a management board member since 2001. He was also responsible for OEM Sales Europe at board level up until 2012. When the company was taken over by Johnson Controls in 2002 and there were other acquisitions, Mr Dempwolff was involved in the strong expansion of the original equipment manufacturer business.

Born and bred in Hamburg, he has close networks within the German and European automotive and battery industry associations and is a public face of Johnson Controls. Mr Dempwolff studied economics at Hamburg University. He is married, has one child and lives in Langenhagen near Hannover.