Wolfgang Ehrk is COO of Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG since January 2020. He initially trained as an industrial mechanic. Continuing his vocational training, he became a master tradesman (foreman) and a time and motion study technician (REFA). He then studied for a degree in industrial engineering at the Südwestfalen University of Applied Sciences, where he graduated as an industrial engineer. In his professional life, he gained 26 years of experience in the vacuum industry. At Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum, he held a variety of management positions until 2016, most recently eight years as Managing Director/COO. Prior to joining Pfeiffer Vacuum, he spent 3.5 years as Managing Director/COO for Chiron Group SE, a leading manufacturer of CNC-controlled machining centers. He enjoys spending his leisure time with his family or doing sporting activities such as jogging and cycling.