Nicola Marinelli to join Heckler & Koch executive board

"We are extremely pleased that we were able to attract Mr. Marinelli, an industry veteran for military products and the management of military projects for both the Bundeswehr as well as allied armies," said Andreas Heeschen, majority owner of Heckler & Koch.

Andreas Heeschen, who oversaw the Group’s operative management from February, will now focus primarily on strategic issues. "I strongly believe that it was a good decision to lead the company myself in these challenging times which I very much enjoy. I am nonetheless delighted to hand over to my tremendously qualified colleague," Heeschen stated. "Together we will continue and broaden our strategy of improved corporate communications and increased transparency."

Until late 2013, Mr Marinelli served as COO of the Combat Platforms division at Rheinmetall Defence, having responsibility for nine production sites in Germany and Switzerland with 2,000 employees.