With effect from 1st November 2008, Dr. Ing. Stefan Gehlen, a recognized expert in image processing and automation, joined the management board of VMT Vision Machine Technic Bildverarbeitungssysteme, Mannheim/Germany. After completing a study program and graduating from the Technical University in Darmstadt, Dr. Gehlen chaired the Board of Directors of ZN Vision Technologies, Bochum. Important technological innovations were accomplished under his management, such as automated face identification processes. Appointing Dr. Gehlen has strengthened the strategic role of image processing solutions within the Pepperl+Fuchs Group. For VMT and its customers, it is an important step in the direction of long-term assurance of innovation capability and professional competence.