About Us
The OBRIST team is a committed group of individuals with strong backgrounds in all major technical disciplines. Frank Obrist, Founder & President, together with Christian Schmälzle, CEO Obrist Engineering, Martin Graz, CEO Obrist Powertrain, and Oliver Obrist, CEO of Obrist DE, heads a team of experienced engineers and experts.
Since 2017, OBRIST has been a member of the Klimaneutralitätsbündnis 2025, providing a voluntary contribution to worldwide climate protection.
Board Members
Frank Obrist
Founder & President OBRIST Group, Member of the Obrist Board, CEO Obrist Technologies
Frank Obrist attended the Federal Higher Technical Institute for engineering (HTL Bregenz) and, after graduating, worked as a designer at TES Wankel Institute in Lindau, Germany from 1984 to 1993. His teacher at the time: Felix Wankel, inventor of the engine of the same name. Between 1993 and 1996, Frank Obrist worked as a senior designer at the TES – and after Wankel’s death Mr. Obrist was also the last engineer to leave the Wankel Institute.
Parallel to his work, he studied operational innovation management at Graz University of Technology and at the Management Center St. Gallen from 1992 to 1995 before founding OBRIST Engineering GmbH in Lustenau in 1996. In 2022, Frank Obrist finally returned to Lindau: He acquired the building owned by Volkswagen, where he and his excellent engineering team now research, develop and promote groundbreaking climate-positive technologies.
Frank Obrist is a member of the Obrist board and there focused on innovation and strategy. He is named as inventor on more than 540 Patents.
Dr. Willi Sonderegger
Member of the Board
Throughout his career, Willi Sonderegger served as a partner and CEO at the Management Zentrum St. Gallen, orchestrating the success of numerous business strategy and turnaround projects in Europe. Besides this, his expertise extended to the educational field, where he shared his insights as a lecturer for aspiring business students.
Following this impactful phase, he continued as the visionary founder and leader of prosperous companies, notably in the Automotive sector. Since his exit, Mr. Sonderegger transitioned into a distinguished investor, channeling his resources and passion into diverse companies with an emphasis on green technology. He has invested in various operations across Europe.
Willi Sonderegger is a valued member of the OBRIST board since 2012. Within the board, he focuses on strategic, organizational, and financial matters.
Dr. Richard Fischer
Member of Board
Richard Fischer is a seasoned business leader and technology expert with over 30 years of experience as CEO and President of VAT AG, a leading technology company. In addition, he has served as a Board Member of Inficon AG, a SIX-listed technology firm, for 20 years. Mr. Fischers deep knowledge of the technology and finance industries, coupled with his extensive experience as a senior executive and board member, make him an invaluable asset to any organization seeking to innovate and grow in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
As a Board Member and Advisory Technology and Finance expert, Richard provides critical insights and strategic guidance to help organizations navigate the complexities of the global marketplace and stay ahead of the competition.
Management
Dipl. Ing. (FH) Martin Graz
CEO OBRIST Powertrain
Between 1992 and 1996 Martin Graz attended the Dornbirn University of Applied Sciences (FH Dornbirn) for automation technology. In the following two years he was responsible for planning, design and production at a leading international manufacturer of electrical and electronic components. In 1998 he joined OBRIST Engineering, where he worked as technical director until December 2011.
From January 2012 to September 2022, the automotive engineering specialist held the position of COO of OBRIST Powertrain, and since September 2022 he is holding the position of CEO of OBRIST Powertrain.
His special areas include product development, project management as well as business development and business strategy.
Dipl.-Ing. Christian Schmälzle
CEO OBRIST Engineering
As an employee of Prof. Peter Kuhn at the Technical University of Karlsruhe for Mechanical Engineering in Germany, Christian Schmälzle joined OBRIST Engineering in the year 1999 as a Development Engineer, being responsible for R744 R&D and validation. Followed by project lead responsibilities in the field of engineering, components incl. mechanical, electrical compressors for R744, piston and scroll type compressors and expanders in various sizes and applications.
From January 2012 to August 2022 Mr. Schmälzle held the position of COO of OBRIST Engineering and since September 2022 the position of CEO of OBRIST Engineering together with Frank Obrist.
Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. (FH) Oliver Obrist
CEO OBRIST DE
Even before graduating from Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (FH Mittweida) in Germany with a degree in industrial engineering, Oliver Obrist was already working at OBRIST. Starting in 2013 as a development engineer, he worked in several departments throughout the Obrist Group. As a design engineer and project manager, he was involved in projects such as the first automotive R744 compressor in the mass market, the Zero Vibration Generator (ZVG), and battery development. Since September 2022, Oliver Obrist has been CEO of OBRIST DE GmbH.
Thorsten Rixmann
Global Director Marketing & Communications, Procurist
Thorsten Rixmanns education includes several years of management training at the Management Center St. Gallen and extra-occupational studies in business administration at Schloss Hofen and the University of Innsbruck. Mr. Rixmann started his career as a Sales Manager at K. Deuring & Co. Afterwards he became Head of Distribution and HR at Sutterlüty Handels GmbH where he also was acting as procurist. After ten years at Sutterlüty Mr. Rixmann became Director of Sales at Emmi Austria Gmbh. After five years as Head of Area Management and Business Development at Masai Marketing and Trading AG and Board member in the subsidiaries, he joined the ENJO International GmbH as Head of Sales, Support and Marketing. Before he finally joined the OBRIST Group, he was a Co-partner of Joya Schuhe AG, where he worked as Senior Vice President for Global Sales in the Headquarters.. Furthermore, he acted as a CEO in all subsidiaries of the company.
Mag. Alfred Stöckeler
Global Head of Finance, Human Resources, Business Affairs, Procurist
Alfred Stöckeler is a graduate of the Leopold Franzens University of Innsbruck. He has an exciting history in large and small companies, where he has held various positions of responsibility in the areas of adult education, organizational development, Accounting and Human Resources. He joined Obrist 2019 and helds the groupwide position as Head of Finance, Human Resources, and Administration.
Dipl. Ing. (FH) Martin Graz
CEO OBRIST Powertrain
Between 1992 and 1996 Martin Graz attended the Dornbirn University of Applied Sciences (FH Dornbirn) for automation technology. In the following two years he was responsible for planning, design and production at a leading international manufacturer of electrical and electronic components. In 1998 he joined OBRIST Engineering, where he worked as technical director until December 2011.
From January 2012 to September 2022, the automotive engineering specialist held the position of COO of OBRIST Powertrain, and since September 2022 he is holding the position of CEO of OBRIST Powertrain.
His special areas include product development, project management as well as business development and business strategy.
Dipl.-Ing. Christian Schmälzle
CEO OBRIST Engineering
As an employee of Prof. Peter Kuhn at the Technical University of Karlsruhe for Mechanical Engineering in Germany, Christian Schmälzle joined OBRIST Engineering in the year 1999 as a Development Engineer, being responsible for R744 R&D and validation. Followed by project lead responsibilities in the field of engineering, components incl. mechanical, electrical compressors for R744, piston and scroll type compressors and expanders in various sizes and applications.
From January 2012 to August 2022 Mr. Schmälzle held the position of COO of OBRIST Engineering and since September 2022 the position of CEO of OBRIST Engineering together with Frank Obrist.
Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. (FH) Oliver Obrist
CEO OBRIST DE
Even before graduating from Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (FH Mittweida) in Germany with a degree in industrial engineering, Oliver Obrist was already working at OBRIST. Starting in 2013 as a development engineer, he worked in several departments throughout the Obrist Group. As a design engineer and project manager, he was involved in projects such as the first automotive R744 compressor in the mass market, the Zero Vibration Generator (ZVG), and battery development. Since September 2022, Oliver Obrist has been CEO of OBRIST DE GmbH.
Thorsten Rixmann
Global Director Marketing & Communications, Procurist
Thorsten Rixmanns education includes several years of management training at the Management Center St. Gallen and extra-occupational studies in business administration at Schloss Hofen and the University of Innsbruck. Mr. Rixmann started his career as a Sales Manager at K. Deuring & Co. Afterwards he became Head of Distribution and HR at Sutterlüty Handels GmbH where he also was acting as procurist. After ten years at Sutterlüty Mr. Rixmann became Director of Sales at Emmi Austria Gmbh. After five years as Head of Area Management and Business Development at Masai Marketing and Trading AG and Board member in the subsidiaries, he joined the ENJO International GmbH as Head of Sales, Support and Marketing. Before he finally joined the OBRIST Group, he was a Co-partner of Joya Schuhe AG, where he worked as Senior Vice President for Global Sales in the Headquarters.. Furthermore, he acted as a CEO in all subsidiaries of the company.
Mag. Alfred Stöckeler
Global Head of Finance, Human Resources, Business Affairs, Procurist
Alfred Stöckeler is a graduate of the Leopold Franzens University of Innsbruck. He has an exciting history in large and small companies, where he has held various positions of responsibility in the areas of adult education, organizational development, Accounting and Human Resources. He joined Obrist 2019 and helds the groupwide position as Head of Finance, Human Resources, and Administration.
Dr. Johannes Prock
CTO OBRIST Engineering
Johannes completed his PHD in chemistry in Innsbruck in the field of artificial photosynthesis and developed a strong interest in environmental technologies. After working in the electroplating industry and on smaller projects with R290 as green coolant, he joined OBRIST Group in March 2023 to pursue the vision of aMethanol as a new, global energy carrier. At the OBRIST Technology Center his expertise contributes significantly to the development of the globally unique OBRIST DAC Technology.
Advisory Board
Prof. Dr. Werner Tillmetz
Scientific Advisor
Prof. Dr. Tillmetz is a Member of the faculty for Natural Sciences at the University of Ulm. Between 1991 and 2003, Prof. Dr. Tillmetz was responsible for the development of automotive fuel cells at Daimler Benz AG and at Ballard Power Systems. From 2003 to 2004 he was head of the “Catalysts in Energy & Environment” business unit at Süd Chemie AG.
Between 2005 and 2018 he was a board member at the Center of Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW). From 2010 to 2018 he was also a member of the German National Platform Electric Mobility (NPE) and from 2007 to 2018 he was head of the Advisory Board of the National Organization “Fuel Cell & Hydrogen” (NOW).
Since 2018 he has been a member of the Scientific Council at Total Energies and a member of the Advisory Council at Emerald Technology Ventures.
Dr. rer. Nat. Dipl.-Chem. Eberhard Jacob
Scientific Advisor
Dr. Jacob is an expert in chemistry and catalyst technology. He is considered the world’s leading initiator of second generation eFuels, holds the patent for DMC (dimethyl carbonate) and fuel and was a long-time EAT catalyst specialist at MAN, Germany.
In his work as a advisor at OBRIST, he supports the company on chemical issues, such as the fuel chemistry of methanol and its derivatives. He also takes part in weekly meetings for the development of OBRIST DAC and shares his expertise on DAC and cSink technology.
Prof. (FH) Dipl.-Wirt. Ing. Gunter Olsowski
Senior Advisor
Gunter Olsowski is a former professor and program director for engineering and management at the University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg (FHV). Furthermore, Prof. Olsowski is a former board member of the International Council of Academic Departments of Engineering and Management (ICADEM) and current president of the Ro80 Club International e.V.
As a member of the OBRIST Advisory Board, he supports the company in business development and presentation and advises on mobility issues, such as the existing vehicle fleet.
Prof. (FH) DI Dr. Erich G. Markl
Scientific Advisor
Prof. Dr. Markl is dean of the Industrial Engineering Faculty at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum in Vienna. Previously, he was head of the Institute for Advanced Engineering Technologies and head of the International Engineering and Business Management degree program.
As a member of the OBRIST Advisory Board, he gives support on engineering topics and material issues.
Founder & President
Frank Obrist
The technical education of Frank Obrist started in the Federal Higher Technical Institute for engineering in Bregenz, and continued with extra-occupational studies of innovation and technical management at Technical University Graz and at Management School St. Gallen.
CEO DE
Oliver Obrist
After his technical education in the Federal Higher Technical Institute of engineering in Bregenz, Oliver Obrist graduated from Mittweida University of Applied Sciences with a degree in industrial engineering and was already working at OBRIST since 2013 as a development engineer. Later he worked as a design engineer as well as a project manager in different areas at the OBRIST Group and was involved in projects such as the Zero Vibration Generator, the battery development as well as the powertrain system.
Since September 2022 Oliver Obrist is now also CEO of OBRIST DE GmbH.
CEO of Obrist Powertrain
Martin Graz
Before his time with OBRIST Engineering, Martin Graz was in charge of the manufacturing, engineering and planning with a leading international manufacturer of electric and electronic components.
Joining OBRIST in 1998, Martin brought his experience in ramping up manufacturing processes for tightly integrated plastic and metal components.
CEO of Obrist Engineering
CHRISTIAN SCHMÄLZLE
As an employee of Prof. Peter Kuhn at the University of Karlsruhe, Christian joined OBRIST Engineering in 1999, being responsible for R744 R&D and validation processes. He leads several development projects in the field of R744 components and systems as well as developments in the field of exhaust heat recovery.
Member of Board
Willi Sonderegger
Willi Sonderegger is a valued member of the OBRIST board since 2012.
Throughout his career, he served as a partner and CEO at the esteemed “Management Zentrum St. Gallen,” orchestrating the success of numerous business strategy and turnaround projects in Europe. Besides this, his expertise extended to the educational field, where he shared his insights as a lecturer for aspiring business students.
Following this impactful phase, he continued as the visionary founder and leader of prosperous companies, notably in the Automotive sector. Since his exit, Willi Sonderegger transitioned into a distinguished investor, channeling his resources and passion into diverse companies with an emphasis on green technology. He has invested in various operations across Europe.
Within the boardroom, Willi Sonderegger focuses on strategic, organizational, and financial matters.
Founder & President
Frank Obrist
The technical education of Frank Obrist started in the Federal Higher Technical Institute for engineering in Bregenz, and continued with extra-occupational studies of innovation and technical management at Technical University Graz and at Management School St. Gallen.
CEO DE
Oliver Obrist
After his technical education in the Federal Higher Technical Institute of engineering in Bregenz, Oliver Obrist graduated from Mittweida University of Applied Sciences with a degree in industrial engineering and was already working at OBRIST since 2013 as a development engineer. Later he worked as a design engineer as well as a project manager in different areas at the OBRIST Group and was involved in projects such as the Zero Vibration Generator, the battery development as well as the powertrain system.
Since September 2022 Oliver Obrist is now also CEO of OBRIST DE GmbH.
CEO of Obrist Powertrain
Martin Graz
Before his time with OBRIST Engineering, Martin Graz was in charge of the manufacturing, engineering and planning with a leading international manufacturer of electric and electronic components.
Joining OBRIST in 1998, Martin brought his experience in ramping up manufacturing processes for tightly integrated plastic and metal components.
CEO of Obrist Engineering
CHRISTIAN SCHMÄLZLE
As an employee of Prof. Peter Kuhn at the University of Karlsruhe, Christian joined OBRIST Engineering in 1999, being responsible for R744 R&D and validation processes. He leads several development projects in the field of R744 components and systems as well as developments in the field of exhaust heat recovery.
Member of Board
Willi Sonderegger
Willi Sonderegger is a valued member of the OBRIST board since 2012.
Throughout his career, he served as a partner and CEO at the esteemed “Management Zentrum St. Gallen,” orchestrating the success of numerous business strategy and turnaround projects in Europe. Besides this, his expertise extended to the educational field, where he shared his insights as a lecturer for aspiring business students.
Following this impactful phase, he continued as the visionary founder and leader of prosperous companies, notably in the Automotive sector. Since his exit, Willi Sonderegger transitioned into a distinguished investor, channeling his resources and passion into diverse companies with an emphasis on green technology. He has invested in various operations across Europe.
Within the boardroom, Willi Sonderegger focuses on strategic, organizational, and financial matters.
