Changes to the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG and Management Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

• The Supervisory Boards of Carl Zeiss AG and Carl Zeiss Meditec AG have reached a mutual agreement with Maximilian Foerst, member of the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG responsible for the Medical Technology segment and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, to end their collaboration prematurely as of December 31, 2025.
• The background to this decision is non-compliant conduct by Maximilian Foerst in his previous role, unrelated to the business operations of the ZEISS Group.
• Andreas Pecher, in addition to his responsibilities as President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG, will assume the position of President and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG on an interim basis.
  

Oberkochen/Jena, Germany | 8 December 2025 | ZEISS Group

Following information received via its whistleblower hotline, the ZEISS Compliance department investigated in recent weeks a potential violation of internal disclosure obligations intended to prevent conflicts of interest by Maximilian Foerst, member of the
Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG responsible for the Medical Technology segment and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. The allegations raised relate to Maximilian Foerst’s previous position in China.

The investigation, which has now concluded, centered on a conflict of interest. This involved a breach of internal corporate policies regarding interactions with an individual within ZEISS’ internal work environment, dating back several years. The case is not related to the business activities of the ZEISS Group or the business of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG.

Maximilian Foerst has acknowledged violating the ZEISS Group’s internal Code of Conduct. Further details will not be disclosed in order to protect the personal rights and the privacy of those involved.

The company takes this violation of its internal Code of Conduct seriously. The Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss AG and Maximilian Foerst have therefore mutually agreed that it is in the company’s best interest to end his executive duties prematurely. The same agreement was also reached with the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG.

Maximilian Foerst, member of the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, stated: “I deeply regret that I did not act in compliance with the rules in my previous position. I take responsibility for this. Together with the Supervisory Boards of Carl Zeiss AG and Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, I have concluded that the premature termination of my executive duties is in the best interest of the company. I thank the ZEISS Group for the many years of collaboration, which means a great deal to me.”

Andreas Pecher, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, acknowledged Maximilian Foerst’s long-standing service: “I thank Maximilian Foerst for his strong commitment and significant contributions. At the same time, it is essential for us as a company to consistently uphold our Code of Conduct and compliance standards.”

The Supervisory Board immediately kicked off the search for a successor. From January 1, 2026, Andreas Pecher, currently Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG, will assume the role of CEO at Carl Zeiss Meditec AG on an interim basis. Prior to this, he will give up his Supervisory Board mandate. Peter Kameritsch, a member of the Supervisory Board, will serve as Chairman on an interim basis.

The strategic development of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, focusing on customer orientation, commercial excellence, and targeted innovation – successfully initiated under Maximilian Foerst – will continue at the same pace.

Dr. Michael Bolle, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss AG, emphasized: “Today’s decision is painful, but it is guided by our own compliance standards. Maximilian Foerst is a successful international manager who has contributed to the company’s success, particularly in China, over many years. He was also able to provide important impetus during his time as a member of the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG. We thank him for this.”

Integrity and compliance are central values of the company’s philosophy. The company will continue to do everything possible to uphold its standards of compliance and transparency in order to maintain the trust of employees and business partners.

As of January 1, 2026, the Management Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG will consist of Andreas Pecher (CEO, interim) and Justus Felix Wehmer (CFO).

As of January 1, 2026, the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG will consist of the following members: Andreas Pecher (President and CEO), Stefan Müller (CFO), Sven Hermann (Head of the ZEISS Consumer Markets segment), Dr. Frank Rohmund (Head of the ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology segment), and Dr. Marc Wawerla (Head of the ZEISS Industrial Quality & Research segment). Carl Zeiss Meditec AG will be represented by Andreas Pecher on an interim basis.