At the ZVEH (Central Association of the German Electrical and Information Technology Trades) annual conference held at the end of May 2026, the spotlight shone brightly on individuals who have dedicated their careers to shaping the future of the electrical industry. In a series of moving ceremonies, ZVEH President Stefan Ehinger recognized seven distinguished representatives, presenting them with the association’s highest honors: the Golden and Silver Pins of Honor. These awards are not merely tokens of appreciation; they represent the deep gratitude of the entire sector for years of tireless advocacy, innovative leadership, and bridge-building. From the digital transformation of local craft businesses to fostering international cooperation, the honorees have left an indelible mark on the industry. A Legacy of Leadership: The Core Facts The 2026 ZVEH annual conference served as the backdrop for a profound reflection on the strength of the German electrical trades. President Stefan Ehinger underscored that the success of the industry relies heavily on personalities who act as catalysts for change and guardians of the profession’s core values. The Honorees at a Glance: Gold Pin of Honor: Dr. Jens Jühling, Thomas Sell, Andreas Dörflinger, and (additionally during the evening event) Olaf von Mülller. Silver Pin of Honor: Christian Atzmüller, Constantin Rehlinger, and Andreas Bek. Pending Recognition: Thomas Klisa (to be honored at the FEHR annual conference). Special Mention: Adalbert Neumann, who was scheduled to receive the Gold Pin but could not attend due to health reasons. Chronology of Recognition: Honoring Service and Dedication Bridging Borders: Christian Atzmüller The ceremonies commenced with a nod to the international reach of the electrical trades. Christian Atzmüller, Managing Director of the Austrian Federal Guild Group for Metal-Electrical-Sanitary-Automotive, was the first to be honored with the Silver Pin. President Ehinger lauded Atzmüller for his unwavering commitment to cross-border cooperation. Ehinger highlighted Atzmüller’s pivotal role in developing the "E-Marke Austria," noting that the honoree understood that a strong professional organization is built on common symbols and a shared identity. His ability to build bridges rather than merely manage administrative tasks has made him a cornerstone of international partnership in the electrical sector. Three Decades of Impact: Constantin Rehlinger The second Silver Pin was awarded to Constantin Rehlinger, who served as the Managing Director of the State Guild Association for Electrical and Information Technology Trades in Berlin/Brandenburg until August 2025. With nearly thirty years of service, Rehlinger has been a fixture in the regional development of the craft. Ehinger praised his courage to "think things forward" in a creative manner, noting that his influence on the Berlin and Brandenburg landscape remains a benchmark for regional association work. The Constructive Critic: Andreas Bek Andreas Bek, former Managing Director of the Professional Association for Electrical and Information Technology in Baden-Württemberg, was recognized for his role as a "constructive critic." Ehinger noted that in a strong organization, it is precisely those who challenge the status quo and demand deeper reflection who drive progress. Bek’s readiness to take responsibility and spark necessary, albeit sometimes difficult, debates was credited as a vital asset to the association’s strength. The Gold Standard: Honoring Strategic Visionaries Prevention as a Dialogue: Dr. Jens Jühling The transition to the Gold Pins began with Dr. Jens Jühling, the former prevention manager of the BG ETEM (the professional association for energy, textile, and media products). Dr. Jühling was lauded not only for his expertise but for his accessibility. President Ehinger emphasized that under Jühling’s tenure, prevention was never a top-down mandate. Instead, it was treated as a collaborative process. "You had an open ear for the concerns of the electrical trades," Ehinger remarked. By engaging in constant dialogue with local businesses, Jühling ensured that safety and prevention measures were practical, effective, and deeply integrated into the daily life of craftsmen. The Face of Industry: Thomas Sell The recognition of Thomas Sell, the long-standing Chief Sales Officer (CSO) of Theben, highlighted the symbiotic relationship between industry and the trades. Ehinger described Sell as a personification of his company—a professional who, over many years, became synonymous with the brand’s integrity. Sell was praised for his "honest interest" in the people behind the craft and for bridging the gap between industrial manufacturing and practical application on the construction site. Digital Transformation: Andreas Dörflinger Andreas Dörflinger, the departing ZVEH Federal Commissioner for Digitalization, received the Gold Pin for his visionary approach to technology. Ehinger famously dubbed him a "data maniac" in the best sense of the word. Dörflinger’s contribution went beyond the implementation of software; he understood the systemic impact of digitalization on the entire trade. His ability to think in networks and provide the industry with critical impulses for its digital future has been instrumental in the modernization of the electrical craft sector. A Surprise Conclusion: Olaf von Mülller The evening concluded with a surprise honor. Olaf von Mülller, ZVEH Vice President, Chairman of the ArGe Medien, and State Guild Master of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, was awarded the Gold Pin during the festive evening event. His leadership in promoting regional cohesion and his efforts in managing the association’s media presence have made him one of the most respected figures in the German electrical industry. Supporting Data: Why These Awards Matter The significance of these honors lies in the current structural shift within the German economy. As the energy transition (Energiewende) places unprecedented demands on the electrical trades—ranging from heat pump installations to complex smart-home integration—the role of the association has become more critical than ever. The honorees represent a combined experience of over 150 years in professional leadership. Their work has stabilized the industry during periods of rapid legislative change and economic volatility. Furthermore, the inclusion of international partners like Atzmüller highlights the ZVEH’s commitment to a unified European approach to electrical standards and professional qualifications. Official Responses and Reflections In his keynote address, President Stefan Ehinger reflected on the nature of these honors. "We are not just honoring careers; we are honoring character," he stated. "The electrical trade is a people-centric profession. It requires technical brilliance, yes, but it also requires the human touch—the ability to listen, to debate, and to mentor." The recipients expressed profound gratitude. Dr. Jens Jühling noted in his acceptance that the award belonged as much to the companies and tradespeople who engaged in the dialogue as it did to him. Similarly, the reflections provided by colleagues of the absent Adalbert Neumann emphasized that the "E-family" (as they refer to the industry network) is bound together by more than just professional goals; it is bound by mutual respect and a shared vision for the future of the skilled crafts. Implications for the Future The recognition of these individuals signals a transition period for the ZVEH. With many of these leaders entering retirement, the association faces the challenge of maintaining the institutional knowledge and the "culture of dialogue" that these individuals fostered. Digital Continuity: The recognition of Andreas Dörflinger ensures that the focus on digitalization remains a top priority for the next generation of leadership. Structural Strength: The honoring of regional leaders like Constantin Rehlinger and Andreas Bek reinforces the importance of strong, independent state associations as the backbone of the national union. Cross-Sector Integration: The acknowledgment of industry figures like Thomas Sell confirms the ZVEH’s strategy of deepening partnerships with manufacturers, which is vital for maintaining high technical standards in an increasingly complex product market. In conclusion, the ZVEH annual conference was not merely a retrospective on past achievements but a powerful statement on the values that will guide the electrical trades into the next decade. By honoring these seven individuals, the association has set a clear tone: the future of the craft will be built on the same foundations of partnership, critical inquiry, and digital innovation that these leaders championed throughout their distinguished careers. Post navigation Streamlining Technical Information: A Deep Dive into the BBA-Infoservice Workflow Streamlining Architectural Procurement: A Deep Dive into the BBA-Infoservice Workflow
