Who we are – the management team
Behind every successful company are committed individuals with vision, experience and responsibility. We herewith present the members of our management team – individuals who are shaping the future of our company with their strategic vision, professional expertise and human strength.
Theo Düppre – CEO
Theo Düppre is a managing partner and Chief Executive Officer. He is a visionary who embodies innovative strength, entrepreneurial foresight and a clear commitment to Germany as a production location. “This is the only way we can guarantee the highest manufacturing standards and technological precision,” Düppre states with conviction.
His entrepreneurial beginnings date back to the 1980s with an idea that came into being when he studied under Professor Heinlein: developing electronic letter scales. This laid the foundation of what is now an internationally successful technological company.
Düppre’s close ties to RPTU Kaiserslautern are evident not only in the longstanding collaboration with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, but also in this extraordinary commitment to research and teaching and promotion of young STEM talent.
The Wipotec Foundation was established in 2024 with the aim of promoting science and education. He is especially eager to spark an interest in children and young people for technology and science at an early age – as this is an investment in the future.
Theo Düppre is a passionate private collector of historical kitchen scales. His own collection comprises around 3,000 items – and with it the dream of one day opening a museum to share this special fascination with others.
Udo Wagner - CPO
Udo Wagner is co-founder and Managing Director as Chief Production Officer. He is responsible for developing the product vision and strategy and the associated management of the entire product portfolio.
Together with Theo Düppre, he founded the company in 1988 as a spin-off from Kaiserslautern Technical University. Since then, he has been driving Wipotec’s development with considerable commitment, particularly in the areas of weighing and inspection technology.
He also advocates important values beyond his entrepreneurial activities. As a passionate cyclist, the promotion of health and exercise is particularly important to him – both personally and within the company. He launched a comprehensive company-wide health management program and installed a fitness studio specifically for employees. In addition to classic fitness programs, physical therapy, psychological support and systemically integrated coaching are also part of the holistic offer.
Georg Drakos - CSO
Georg Drakos serves as Chief Sales Officer, overseeing the worldwide strategic direction and operational execution of sales.
He began his career in 2020 in the Business Development department for X-ray technology. With his passion and leadership, his career quickly progressed from the role of Sales Director Germany to Managing Director in 2023.
His professional roots are in international sales: He gained valuable experience in the global market over many years at companies such as Soehnle Industrial Solutions, B-TEC and SATA. Georg Drakos studied International Business Administration and contributes not only professional expertise but also cultural diversity. He speaks several languages including German, English, Spanish and Greek.
Outside of work, Georg Drakos lives with his family near Stuttgart. Social responsibility is a topic that he is highly invested in: For years, he has actively supported the schooling of two children in Nepal – a project close to his heart, which reflects his conviction that entrepreneurial success and social responsibility go hand in hand.
Jens Kühn - CTO
Jens Kühn has been part of the management team as Chief Technical Officer since 2018 and is responsible for the company’s technological development and innovation strategy.
However, his connection to Wipotec dates back much further: He began his career at Wipotec as a young development engineer immediately after graduating with a degree – he has remained loyal to Wipotec ever since and is now one of the most influential individuals in the company’s history. He is passionate about research, curiosity, and practical development as the key to technological progress.
Jens Kühn is also fully involved outside of work: As an active voluntary fire fighter, he takes responsibility for his fellow humans, and as a drummer in a musical group, he not only brings a sense of rhythm, but also a great deal of energy to the community.
Dr. Werner Schmitz - CFO
Dr. Werner Schmitz has been part of the management team as Chief Financial Officer since 2016.
With his many years of management experience in the industry, he brings a broad range of expertise in finance, accounting, controlling, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. His strategic vision and analytical strength make him an important driving force for the company’s sustainable development.
Before joining Wipotec, Dr. Werner Schmitz held management positions at reputable companies such as MEC Holding, Messer Cutting Systems and Castolin Eutectic.
Outside of work, spending time with his family is particularly important to him – frequently combined with an enjoyable break in a beer garden.