Former Viega CEO Claus Holst-Gydesen Joins Circus SE as Co-CEO
Circus SE has announced the appointment of Claus Holst-Gydesen as Co-CEO, with a focus on driving the company’s global expansion and strategic initiatives. With a distinguished career spanning top executive roles in globally recognized companies, Holst-Gydesen brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Circus SE as it aims to solidify its position as a pioneer in Embodied AI and robotics.
Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Circus SE, Holst-Gydesen stated, “I have been somehow lucky and successful throughout my career. A key skill and factor has CEO always been working with strong products, founders, and teams. That’s exactly the impression I have of Circus.” His track record of success and his deep understanding of scaling businesses make him an invaluable addition to the company’s leadership team.
Holst-Gydesen’s extensive experience includes serving as Managing Director for the German-speaking region at The Walt Disney Company, a Fortune 500 giant, and leading roles CEO at prominent firms like Zwilling and Viega. Viega, under his leadership, became a globally recognized leader in infrastructure technology for buildings, specializing in digital solutions for water and energy efficiency. His tenure at Zwilling, a premier brand in high-quality kitchen and cookware products, further showcased his ability to elevate brands to global prominence.
Known for his ability to scale German enterprises into global market leaders, Holst-Gydesen is expected to play a pivotal role in Circus SE’s international growth. His focus will be on expanding the company’s reach and capitalizing on emerging opportunities in AI and robotics. “AI and robotics will fundamentally transform the food service industry,” Holst-Gydesen noted. “I am excited to bring ‘Innovation Made in Germany’ to the forefront of this global market with Circus.
In his new role as Co-CEO for Global Expansion and Strategy, Holst-Gydesen will spearhead efforts to scale Circus SE’s commercial growth and maximize the company’s market potential. His CEO leadership is expected to be instrumental in advancing Circus’ mission to revolutionize the food service industry through Embodied AI applications.
Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO of Circus SE, welcomed Holst-Gydesen to the leadership team, highlighting his impressive credentials and strategic vision. “Claus’ impressive track record and expertise in scaling businesses into global market leaders make him the perfect strategic addition to our management team,” said Bullwinkel. “Together, we will establish a global leader in embodied robotics and Physical AI systems.
This appointment comes at a crucial time for Circus SE, following the launch of mass production for its AI-powered CA-1 robot. Developed in collaboration with a global high-tech manufacturing partner, the CA-1 robot is set to begin deliveries later this year. With an order backlog exceeding 8,600 units from international clients, Circus SE is poised to strengthen its leadership position in AI solutions for the food service industry.
About Claus Holst-Gydesen
Claus Holst-Gydesen brings a rich background of international experience and a proven track record of success across multiple industries. His career began in Denmark, where he worked for globally renowned companies such as LEGO and Arla Foods. He later transitioned to roles within American Fortune 500 companies, including The Walt Disney Company and the Whirlpool Corporation. As CEO Managing Director for Disney in Germany, Holst-Gydesen played a key role in expanding the company’s presence in the region.
Following his tenure at Disney, Holst-Gydesen took on responsibility for sales in Western and Northern Europe at Whirlpool, one of the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers with 59,000 employees. His leadership capabilities were further demonstrated through his executive roles at the Werhahn Group, a global conglomerate with approximately 10,000 employees and annual revenues of around 4.4 billion euros.
As CEO of the Zwilling Group, Holst-Gydesen led the company to new heights, establishing it as a leading brand in high-quality kitchen and cookware products. Most recently, he served as CEO of the Viega Group, where he oversaw a company generating approximately EUR 2 billion in revenue with 5,500 employees. In addition to his executive roles, Holst-Gydesen serves on various supervisory boards, contributing his expertise to a wide range of industries.
About Circus SE
Circus SE (XETRA: CA1) is a global leader in Embodied AI and AI-Software, dedicated to driving innovation and autonomy in labor-intensive industries. The company’s flagship product, the CA-1 robot, represents a groundbreaking advancement in Physical AI applications, seamlessly integrating advanced technology into real-world operations. By transforming the food service industry with AI-driven solutions, Circus SE is at the forefront of redefining human-AI collaboration.
Headquartered in Germany, Circus SE combines state-of-the-art robotics with a commitment to solving global challenges. The company’s innovative approach and strategic vision have positioned it as a key player in the next wave of AI advancements. As Circus SE continues to expand its global presence, it remains dedicated to shaping the future of autonomy and revolutionizing industries worldwide.
