New Group Manager Inspections & Audits at SKZ
Stefan Appel took over the management of the newly founded “Inspections & Audits” group at SKZ on May 1, 2025. With the new organizational unit, the SKZ is pursuing the goal of making product monitoring even more predictable and efficient for its customers in the future.
Stefan Appel takes over management of the Inspections & Audits group at SKZ (Photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)
Against the backdrop of increasing legal and regulatory requirements for travel activities, Appel will take over the planning and coordination of these assignments in future. The aim is to make processes efficient and at the same time create an attractive, well-structured working environment for the team of auditors.
In addition, the audit capacity is to be more regionally and technically differentiated in future. This will enable the SKZ to respond to new requirements - for example in the area of drinking water hygiene - at an early stage.
The 42-year-old Appel brings a balanced combination of practical experience and technical expertise to his new role. After training as a metalworker specializing in industrial engineering, he studied plastics and elastomer technology. He has been working at SKZ since 2011, initially in damage analysis. From 2020, he was responsible for various tasks as a project manager at the former Plastic Pipe Center and also worked as an inspector. Since 2023, he has been a full-time auditor for all product areas.
In his new role, Mr. Appel and his team will coordinate inspection and audit activities, further develop regional and technical capacities and create an attractive working environment for auditors.
Stefan Appel is also involved in a variety of activities outside of his professional context: as a passionate glider pilot, he volunteers as a flight instructor. He is also committed to the preservation of traditional orchards and thus makes an important contribution to nature conservation.
Dr. Thomas Hochrein, Managing Director of the SKZ, explains: "With Stefan Appel, a long-standing and valued colleague is taking over the management of this important group. He combines professional expertise with organizational skills and foresight. I am convinced that with his structured approach and passion for quality, he will make a significant contribution to the further development of our inspection and audit processes."
The SKZ looks forward to continuing to work with Mr. Appel in his new role and wishes him every success in the tasks ahead.
