Clarios appoints Dr. Werner Benade as new Vice President for EMEA region

Clarios, the world's largest manufacturer of automotive batteries, has appointed Dr. Werner Benade as Vice President and General Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) effective January 4.

Benade brings more than 25 years of management experience in the automotive aftermarket and manufacturing industry to lead the region's focus on providing battery technology solutions for tomorrow's vehicles. 

“I’m excited to join Clarios, a world leading organization committed to delivering next-generation battery technologies that meet the evolving needs of tomorrow’s vehicles in the most sustainable way,” said Benade. “The European business has a strong foundation built on a century of innovation, sustainability and manufacturing excellence. I look forward to leading the next chapter of this successful business.”

Benade joins Clarios from HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA in Lippstadt, Germany, where he led the Aftermarket and Special Applications divisions. Prior to his time at HELLA, he spent more than 20 years at Robert Bosch, ultimately serving as CEO and President of Power Tools Accessories in Solothurn, Switzerland. 

Benade earned his Doctorate at the Chair of Applied Thermodynamics and A/C Technology Certification from the University GHS Essen and his Mechanical Engineering degree from Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

Clarios' EMEA region consists of more than 3,800 employees in 11 production facilities, including its headquarters in Hannover, Germany. Clarios manufactures and supplies batteries for all major automotive manufacturers. In the automotive aftermarket, its VARTA® product is one of the most well-known and trusted brands in Europe and throughout the world.