Kalmar Taps Wärtsilä Executive to Lead Services Push

Event summary

  • Tamara de Gruyter joins Kalmar as President of Services on September 1, 2026, from Wärtsilä.
  • She replaces Thomas Malmborg, who departs after 36 years but stays until year-end for transition.
  • De Gruyter will oversee global services operations and Kalmar's shift to a service-driven model.
  • Kalmar's leadership team expands to 11 members as of October 1, 2026.

The big picture

Kalmar's appointment reflects the broader industry trend of equipment manufacturers pivoting to service-driven models to enhance recurring revenue and customer stickiness. With EUR 1.7 billion in 2025 sales, the move underscores the strategic importance of services in Kalmar's long-term growth. De Gruyter's background in energy storage services suggests a focus on digital and data-driven solutions.

What we're watching

Execution Risk
How quickly de Gruyter can integrate and accelerate Kalmar's services growth.
Strategic Alignment
Whether her Wärtsilä experience translates to Kalmar's service-driven transition.
Customer Impact
The pace at which service improvements drive measurable customer value.

Related topics

Revenue