Richard Harris has been appointed as the new president of German cutting-tool manufacturer Walter AG (www.walter-tools.com), which is based in Tübingen.

He follows Mirko Merlo, who has been president since 2012 and decided at the end of 2018 to leave the company.

Mr Harris has many years of experience in tool production and strategic supply management.

Since 2002, he has held various management positions at Walter’s parent company Sandvik.

Most recently, he led the Powder and Blanks Technology division of Sandvik Machining Solutions.

Mr Harris said: “Walter has an outstanding reputation in the machining industry; the company is a pioneer for technology in many areas.

“The digitalisation strategy started by Mirko Merlo puts the company in an ideal position for the future.

“Together with the Walter team, I want to further develop this successful business strategy, so that we can continue to grow globally in a demanding and ever-changing market environment.”