Honoring Excellence: ZVEH Celebrates Pivotal Contributors to the Electrical Trades

At the annual ZVEH (Zentralverband der Deutschen Elektro- und Informationstechnischen Handwerke) conference held in late May 2026, the German electrical industry gathered to reflect on a year of transformative progress. Amidst the policy debates and strategic planning sessions, the organization took a significant moment to honor those who have served as the backbone of the sector. Under the leadership of ZVEH President Stefan Ehinger, seven distinguished figures were awarded prestigious gold and silver pins, recognizing their lifelong commitment, strategic foresight, and dedication to the craft.

The Significance of the Awards

The Ehrennadel (Honorary Pin) is more than just a token of appreciation; it is the highest recognition granted by the ZVEH to individuals who have left an indelible mark on the electrical trades. The criteria for selection are rigorous, focusing on leadership, the fostering of international partnerships, the modernization of trade practices, and the relentless pursuit of professional standards.

This year’s ceremony was particularly poignant as it honored several leaders who concluded their official tenures between 2025 and 2026. By awarding these pins, the ZVEH acknowledged that the strength of the German electrical sector lies not just in technical capability, but in the institutional memory and personal integrity of its advocates.

Chronology of Recognition

The ceremony was structured to highlight different facets of professional service, moving from cross-border cooperation and regional leadership to the crucial intersections of industry, safety, and digital innovation.

The Silver Honorees: Pillars of Regional and International Cooperation

The first segment of the ceremony focused on individuals who bridged gaps—whether geographical or structural.

• Christian Atzmüller: Representing the Austrian Bundesinnungsgruppe Metall-Elektro-Sanitär-Kfz, Atzmüller was honored for his role in cementing ties between the German and Austrian trades. President Ehinger praised him for building "bridges instead of bureaucracies," specifically noting his pivotal role in the expansion and refinement of the "E-Marke Austria," a quality seal that has become a symbol of shared identity across borders.
• Constantin Rehlinger: As the former Managing Director of the Landesinnungsverband for Berlin/Brandenburg, Rehlinger was recognized for a career spanning three decades. His tenure, which concluded in August 2025, was defined by a unique ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with the creative, forward-thinking policies required for a modern urban infrastructure.
• Andreas Bek: The former Managing Director of the Fachverband Elektro- und Informationstechnik Baden-Württemberg was lauded as a "constructive critic." Ehinger highlighted Bek’s career as one marked by the courage to challenge the status quo, pushing the organization to look deeper and act with greater accountability.

Note: Thomas Klisa, the former head of the FEHR (Hessen/Rheinland-Pfalz), was also named for a silver pin. His formal investiture is scheduled for the FEHR annual meeting later in 2026.

The Gold Honorees: Visionaries of Safety, Industry, and Digitalization

The presentation of the Gold Pins shifted the focus to those who influenced the broader ecosystem of the electrical trades, from industrial partnerships to safety regulations and digital transformation.

• Dr. Jens Jühling: Representing the essential link between safety and craftsmanship, the former prevention manager of the BG ETEM received gold. Ehinger’s laudation centered on Jühling’s "open-door" policy, emphasizing that safety, in his view, was never a top-down mandate but a collaborative dialogue with the workers on the ground.
• Thomas Sell: Long-time Chief Sales Officer of Theben, Sell was celebrated as the quintessential face of the industry-handicraft connection. His ability to foster personal relationships with contractors and his consistent presence at trade events solidified his reputation as a bridge-builder between manufacturing innovation and practical field application.
• Andreas Dörflinger: Known within the industry as a "data maniac," the outgoing ZVEH Federal Commissioner for Digitalization was honored for his visionary approach to tech. Dörflinger did not merely implement software; he re-conceptualized the electrical trade as a data-driven ecosystem, providing the roadmap for the industry’s digital future.
• Olaf von Müllner: The grand finale of the honors took place during the evening gala. The ZVEH Vice President and leader of the ArGe Medien was recognized for his immense contribution to regional stability and his tireless advocacy for the "E-Brand" identity. His influence as a leader in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and at the national level has made him a central figure in the survival and prosperity of the regional trades.

Supporting Data: The Impact of Leadership

The recipients represent a combined total of over a century of professional experience. The impact of their work is measurable in the stability of the trade organizations they managed. For example, the "E-Marke" initiative, championed by several of these honorees, has led to a measurable increase in consumer trust and a standardized quality assurance process across thousands of SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises).

Furthermore, the emphasis on "Digitalization" under the influence of experts like Andreas Dörflinger has transitioned the industry from manual reporting systems to integrated, cloud-based project management, directly impacting the profitability of member firms.

Official Responses and Reflections

President Stefan Ehinger’s speeches were characterized by a tone of deep personal respect. His recurring theme was "Haltung" (stance or integrity). He argued that while technology and regulations change, the success of the electrical trade is predicated on individuals who possess the courage to lead, the patience to mentor, and the foresight to anticipate market shifts.

Regarding the absence of Adalbert Neumann (former head of Busch-Jaeger/ABB), who was slated for a Gold Pin but could not attend due to illness, Ehinger’s words were particularly telling. He described Neumann as the "eminent conscience of the industry," a figure whose influence on professional standards and human-centric leadership remains a gold standard for the entire electrical supply chain.

Implications for the Future of the E-Handwerke

The retirement of these figures marks the end of an era, but the ZVEH leadership is clearly intent on ensuring that the legacy of these individuals is institutionalized rather than lost. The implications of this honors ceremony are threefold:

1. Continuity of Standards: By honoring these specific leaders, the ZVEH is signaling to the next generation of managers that the core values—dialogue, partnership, and critical thinking—remain the priority.
2. Emphasis on Soft Skills in a Tech Era: Despite the focus on "Digitalization" and "Smart Home" technology (as highlighted by concurrent trade news regarding IP-based communication and KNX integration), the ZVEH is consciously reinforcing the importance of human relationships. The message is clear: technology is the tool, but human collaboration is the engine.
3. Cross-Border Resilience: The acknowledgment of Austrian partners like Christian Atzmüller reflects the Europeanization of the trade. As supply chains and technical standards become increasingly integrated across the EU, the model of the "E-Handwerk" is shifting from a purely national entity to a collaborative, international network.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Service

As the ZVEH moves into the second half of 2026, it does so with a clear understanding of its history. The seven individuals honored at the May conference did not just manage organizations; they curated a culture of excellence. As the industry faces the challenges of the energy transition, the aging workforce, and the rapid pace of digital disruption, the "Blueprints of Leadership" provided by these seven honorees will serve as an essential guide for the leaders of tomorrow.

The electrical trades, characterized by the ZVEH as a resilient "E-Family," appear well-positioned to maintain their relevance, bolstered by a tradition that values individual contribution as much as collective achievement.