FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

Koestler named Vice President of Operations for STIHL

Words: Anita Gambill/Public/News/20120719144500-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Christian Koestler has been appointed to the position of vice president of operations for STIHL Inc." />
Christian Koestler has been appointed to the position of vice president of operations for STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc., which manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America, has announced the appointment of Christian Koestler to the position of vice president of operations for STIHL Inc. effective July 1. In his new position, Koestler will be responsible for directing U.S. activities in the areas of manufacturing, engineering, materials and procurement, logistics, buildings, maintenance and quality assurance. Peter Mueller, who is currently executive vice president of operations, will remain at STIHL until October, when he retires.

Originally from Munich, Germany, Koestler began his career with STIHL Inc. as an engineering intern twelve years ago and held various positions including manufacturing engineering manager and director of technology. In 2010, he accepted the position of director of engineering, technologies and facility management at ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, in Germany, where he was responsible for technology and building expansions globally except for the U.S. In April 2012, he returned to STIHL Inc., which is the headquarters for U.S. operations for the worldwide STIHL Group. Koestler obtained his Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich. He also holds an MBA from Averett University and is a doctoral candidate in engineering at Old Dominion University.

“Koestler exemplifies the highest standard of learning and individual growth potential at STIHL,” said Fred Whyte, president of STIHL Inc. “Koestler raised the bar in our German office and has a proven record of success here at STIHL Inc. We are proud to welcome him back and are confident he will ensure our strong culture and commitment to excellence continues into the next generation of STIHL leadership.”

Koestler will replace Peter Mueller, who led the start up of the manufacturing operations for STIHL in the U.S. in 1974 and has overseen all operational aspects for the company for the past 38 years. Koestler resides in Virginia Beach with his wife and daughter.

“From the U.S. to Germany, a commitment to excellence is what I carry over to each position I maintain in the company and hope to continue to be a part of this company’s growth for years to come,” said Koestler.
 0
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More