After 12 years of joint management as co-CEOs, the Sennheiser brothers are redefining their roles. Starting January 1, 2026, Daniel Sennheiser becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors while Dr. Andreas Sennheiser continues as sole CEO of the legendary audio company celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025.
Table of Contents
Sennheiser Leadership Transition Details
| Position | Name | Role Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Chairman of Board | Daniel Sennheiser | Strategic direction, customer relationships |
| CEO | Dr. Andreas Sennheiser | Operational management, Executive Committee |
| Outgoing Chairman | Andreas Dornbracht | Remains on Board as member |
| Board Members | Iris Epple-Righi, Stephan Plenz, Prof. Dr. Jörg Sennheiser (honorary) | Strategic oversight |
| Effective Date | January 1, 2026 | Leadership restructuring |
Strategic Split Balances Vision and Operations
The restructuring separates strategic oversight from day-to-day operations, allowing Daniel to focus on long-term company development and customer relationships while Andreas manages the business with the Executive Board. This division of responsibilities positions the family-owned audio giant for sustainable growth in its ninth decade.
“By joining the Board of Directors, I will be able to focus more on the development of the company and the continuous strengthening of our relationships with our customers,” explains Daniel Sennheiser. The brothers emphasize their partnership remains foundational despite the role changes.
For audio industry professionals, this transition signals continuity rather than disruption. The Sennheiser brothers’ decade-long co-CEO partnership demonstrated their complementary skills—now formalized into distinct but collaborative leadership tracks that leverage those strengths more efficiently.
Andreas Sennheiser highlighted the strategic advantage: “This new organization allows us to combine day-to-day management with a long-term strategic vision, a balance that is essential for the future success of the Sennheiser Group.”
Daniel succeeds Andreas Dornbracht, who served as Board Chairman for four years and will remain as a member. The brothers expressed gratitude for Dornbracht’s strategic perspective while welcoming his continued contributions in the advisory capacity.
The Sennheiser brand, founded in 1945, operates through a unique structure: Sennheiser electronic SE & Co. KG handles professional audio solutions including microphones, meeting systems, and streaming technologies, while Sonova Holding AG operates consumer devices like headphones and soundbars under Sennheiser license.
The timing coincides with Sennheiser’s 80th anniversary celebration in 2025, marking nearly eight decades of audio innovation from concert stages to recording studios. The brothers’ commitment to independent, sustainable growth ensures the third-generation family business maintains its founder-led ethos.
“Progress is about being able to positively embrace change: both for me in my new role and for Sennheiser as a company,” Daniel noted, framing the transition as evolution rather than upheaval—a perspective that should reassure partners and customers about stability.
The Board of Directors now comprises Daniel Sennheiser (Chairman), Andreas Dornbracht, Iris Epple-Righi, Stephan Plenz, and Prof. Dr. Jörg Sennheiser as honorary member.
FAQs
Will Daniel and Andreas Sennheiser still work together after this change?
Yes, Daniel will closely support Andreas in his CEO role while focusing on strategic direction from the Board Chairman position.
When does Daniel Sennheiser officially become Board Chairman?
The leadership transition takes effect January 1, 2026, after 12 years of the brothers serving as co-CEOs.
