Manufacturing: KAI FRIEDRICH

Friedrich has worked for the Swiss family-owned company for nearly 20 years, starting as a branch manager in Saudi Arabia. He has also held management and executive positions in Switzerland and South Africa. In Newport News, he is responsible for the construction equipment division’s sales, service, training and product management staff.

Friedrich is also expected to expand U.S. sales of Liebherr’s equipment, which includes earth movers, cranes, refrigeration and mining equipment. He was tapped as U.S. managing director in August 2021, succeeding Peter Mayr, who is now president of Liebherr Construction Equipment in Austria. Friedrich also serves as division director of earthmoving and material handling technology.

Earlier this year, Liebherr hosted an open house at its expanded Newport News facilities, which include a 60,000-square-foot office, an 82,000-square-foot workshop and training area and a 92,000-square-foot warehouse. The $60 million expansion was finished in April 2020.

EDUCATION: Fontys Venlo University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands

WHAT I WAS LIKE IN HIGH SCHOOL: Enjoying the last row with my classmates

PERSON I ADMIRE: Currently, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. What a brave leader.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Cape Town, South Africa