Three questions to ... Robert Hild

It is admittedly somewhat longer than the famous 100 days in office, but Robert Hild is still fairly new to the lift sector. We took the opportunity and posed our familiar three questions to the managing director of the VDMA – Trade Association Lifts and Escalators.

You have been managing director of the Trade Association for Lifts and Escalators in the VDMA since 15 May 2025. What are your plans for the sector?
Hild: If I had to choose a heading for my plans for the trade association, it would be visibility. The lift and escalator sector is a technological enabler for energy efficient buildings and as a result an important building block in the transformation of the construction sector. At the same time, it ensures barrier-freedom, participation and mobility in an aging society.

The reliable functioning of our technology is often taken for granted – in fact, it's the result of advanced engineering and a clear framework. Together with all of the relevant players in the sector, we must continuously further develop this framework for development, production, distribution and operation.

My goal is to enhance the technological relevance of our sector, visibly position its societal contribution and establish it more firmly as a solution provider for energy efficiency, barrier freedom and sustainable urban development.

You are simultaneously managing director of the Trade Association General Ventilation Technology in the VDMA. How much time and energy do you have left for the lift and escalator Trade Association?
Hild: Above all, an outstanding team in each trade association is indispensable for my dual role. I’m very satisfied here with the good set-up in both fields.

Of course, the simultaneous management of two trade associations involves a need for coordination. At first glance, they’re different sectors – but there are a lot of synergies in content terms. In each area, the central issues are building technology, energy efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability. Subjects like the Building Energy Act or the E-type building affect ventilation technology just like lifts and escalators. This overlapping permits a valuable transfer of experience and added value for both sectors.

Moreover, the VDMA has expanded its expert technical capacities in the course of the management change; a new colleague supports both trade associations. The dual role is demanding and requires clear prioritisation but simultaneously opens up the opportunity for greater networking of the key technologies of modern buildings and presenting joint positions more effectively.

The number of company takeovers has greatly increased in the recent past. The VDMA represents both groups as well as small and medium-sized lift builders. How do you explain this development?
Hild: In general, the increasing number of company takeovers is understandable. Big groups offer growth potential and frequently have considerable resources for research, development and internationalisation. At the same time, this development is also a consequence of the continuing shortage of skilled labour.

But I would especially like to emphasise that the SME structure is an important foundation for the innovativeness of our sector. Small and medium-sized companies are often particularly flexible, close to their customers and develop tailor-made solutions for specific requirements. Consequently, consolidation may not result in a monoculture. As an association, we are devoted to fair conditions – irrespective of company size.

Open standards, transparent standardisation processes and a strong representation of interests ensure that both global players as well as SME specialists can contribute their strengths to a balanced and competitive sector structure.

More informations: About the person: Robert Hild, who has been working in the VDMA since 2012, has filled various roles there. Since 2021, the 47-year old economist has been the managing director of the Trade Association General Ventilation Technology in the VDMA – he is retaining this role along with his tasks in the Trade Association Lifts and Escalators.

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