Giesecke & Devrient (G&D), which earlier this year reported a fall in profit and 400 redundancies in its mobile security business, has announced management changes following the appointment of new CEO and chairman Walter Schlebusch in June.

From 1 December, Stefan Auerbach will take over leadership of the troubled mobile security unit from Michael Kuemmerle, who “has decided to leave the company”, according to the announcement.

The mobile security business includes SIM card production and also offers trusted service manager (TSM) services to mobile operators.

New face Auerbach has many years of experience in the IT sector, most recently as a board member at Wincor Nixdorf.

Meanwhile Kuemmerle, who has been head of the mobile security unit since 2006, is leaving by his own choice, said the announcement,

“The supervisory board very much regrets Mr Kuemmerle’s decision but understands that he would now like to open a new chapter and pursue his personal plans. On behalf of all supervisory board members, I would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution,” said Peter-Alexander Wacker, chairman of G&D’s supervisory board.

There is also a new head for G&D’s banknote business, the other most important business unit. He is Ralf Wintergerst.