Fanatec's Strategic Shift

Although Thomas Jackermeier appears to be down he certainly is not out. 

The affable German still owns a controlling 50% stake in ENDOR AG so won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, but his removal as CEO exemplifies the challenging times and market issues the company has faced since the Covid-fuelled sim racing boom.

A succession of shipping delays, parts shortages and quality control problems have led to a perfect storm of issues affecting the company’s public image and order book. 

Alongside its coveted - yet costly - Sony PlayStation licence, Fanatec has also had to deal with increased competition in the direct drive wheelbase market from Asetek and Moza, with industry big-hitters Logitech and Thrustmaster also joining the direct drive fray in recent years.

It’s a force majeure-style situation for Jackermeier, but you wouldn’t bet against him and Fanatec bouncing back from their current predicament.