Klϋber Lubrication, a worldwide manufacturer of specialty lubricants, announces the appointment of Ralf Kraemer as chief executive officer. Kraemer assumes the role of CEO from Dieter A. Becker, who returns to Klüber’s global headquarters in Munich, Germany, after leading the North American operations for nearly three years.

Born in Germany, Kraemer brings more than 15 years of sales, marketing and management experience in the metal cutting, woodworking, industrial equipment and power transmission industries to his new role at Klüber.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to have Ralf lead Klüber Lubrication North America,” said Becker. “Klüber places particular importance on its industry-leading customer service and in-depth technical and application support. We are committed to providing excellent support to our thousands of customers throughout North America, and Ralf’s skills, experience and dedication to a customer service oriented focus make him the perfect fit to execute this promise,” said Becker.

Prior to joining Klüber, Kraemer managed operations at a Swiss technology company in the Chicago area and established and developed the North American manufacturing facility and business operations for a German machine tool accessories company near Raleigh, N.C. For the past nine years, he was responsible for the North American operations of a German machine tool company in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Kraemer holds a degree in industrial engineering and management from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Klüber Lubrication is one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty lubricants, offering high-end tribological solutions to virtually all industries and markets worldwide. Most products are developed and made to specific customer requirements. During its more than 80 years of existence, Klüber Lubrication has provided high-quality lubricants, thorough consultation and extensive services, which has earned it an excellent reputation in the market. The company holds all common industrial certifications and operates a test bay hardly rivalled in the lubricants industry.

Klüber Lubrication, set up as a retail company for mineral oil products in Munich in 1929, is today part of Freudenberg Chemical Specialities KG, a Business Unit of the Freudenberg Group, Weinheim. In 2011, Klüber Lubrication had approximately 1900 employees in more than 30 countries.