Durst Group Appoints Wolfgang Knotz as CTO to Lead Digital Printing Innovation and AI Transformation

Durst Group, a leading global manufacturer of digital printing and production technologies, has appointed Wolfgang Knotz as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Group, effective April 1, 2026. With this decision, the company underscores its commitment – on the occasion of its 90th anniversary – to consistently drive its transformation from a machine manufacturer to a technology-driven solutions provider.

Wolfgang Knotz has held various leadership positions within the Durst Group for many years, most recently serving as Managing Director of Durst Austria GmbH, where he was responsible for technological and operational activities at the Lienz site. Since joining the company in 2013, he has played a key role in shaping core production and technology structures. In particular, as Head of Development since 2016, he has been instrumental in the continuous advancement and optimization of digital printing systems, making a significant contribution to Durst Group’s technological leadership.

The appointment as CTO comes against the backdrop of Durst Group’s strategic realignment, with initiatives such as Kyveris accelerating the shift toward data-driven, connected production solutions.

“As part of an intensive selection process involving more than 600 applicants, we conducted a global search for the ideal candidate for this key position,” explains Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of the Durst Group. “In the end, it became clear that the right person for the role was already within our organization. Wolfgang combines technological expertise, strategic vision, and deep knowledge of our company like few others.”
Gamper adds: “Our task as management was no longer to look externally, but to create the right internal framework conditions – enabling Wolfgang to fully focus on shaping the technological future of the Durst Group.”

For Wolfgang Knotz, the process itself was equally defining: “The in-depth discussions during the CTO selection process highlighted the tremendous opportunity in further developing our technology approach,” says Knotz. “In my conversations with Christoph, it quickly became clear that we share the same vision: Durst must consistently evolve from a machine manufacturer into a holistic technology and solutions provider.”

In his new role, Knotz will be responsible for the Group-wide technology agenda, with a strong focus on integrating software, data, automation, and new business models. The goal is to further strengthen Durst Group’s innovative capabilities and provide customers worldwide with even more comprehensive, integrated solutions.

With the appointment of Wolfgang Knotz, the Durst Group is sending a clear signal: in its anniversary year, the company is not only reflecting on 90 years of innovation, but actively shaping its technological future.