I was greatly saddened to hear of the sudden and untimely death of Heinz Thiele. He was an entrepreneur held in the highest regard, who provided strong leadership and created a world class company with a global reputation for excellence.

Westinghouse Brakes was bought in April 2000 and thrived as part of his Knorr-Bremse family of businesses. He recognised and harnessed the strength of the cultural differences in the various countries by keeping their separate identities, yet providing a common reporting framework which enabled him to successfully manage the expanding Group. He will be missed and we may not see his like again.

On a personal level I particularly remember his visit to the UK accompanied by his daughter Julia, when we spent a most enjoyable evening at dinner, listening to stories and learning more about the family man rather than the business man. I know he very much enjoyed and appreciated his stay at Lucknam Park. 

Good causes around the world have substantially benefited from Knorr-Bremse Global Care – a generous and lasting legacy.

My sincere condolences to his family and close friends.

Paul Johnson