Derrick Zechmair studied mechanical engineering at the FH Augsburg. His professional career began with the founding of the engineering firm BGZ. He gained international automotive experience at TEMIC as head of development for airbag control units in the USA. After several responsible functions at Siemens AG for vehicle safety systems, he moved to Continental in 2006 as VP Gasoline and Diesel High Pressure Systems and took over as VP Sales and Projects e-Car at Siemens AG in 2010. In 2012, Mr. Zechmair was responsible for Powertrain Components as Executive Vice President and joined Valeo Germany as CEO in 2016 and AKKA Germany as CEO from 2019. In 2023, FRÄNKISCHE Industrial Pipes appointed Mr. Zechmair as Chairman of the Management Board.