
Circus SE Appoints Former Viega CEO Claus Holst-Gydesen as Co-CEO to Spearhead Global Expansion and Strategy
Circus SE, a global leader in AI software and embodied AI-robotics for the food service industry, has announced the appointment of Claus Holst-Gydesen as Co-CEO, focusing on global expansion and strategy. This strategic move aims to reinforce the company’s position at the forefront of AI and robotics-driven transformation within the food service sector.
A Leader with Proven Expertise in Scaling Global Enterprises
Holst-Gydesen brings an extensive and impressive track record in executive leadership, having held pivotal roles at several globally recognized companies. His career includes serving as Managing Director for the German-speaking region at Fortune 500 giant Disney, a tenure that provided him with deep insights into scaling international businesses. He later became the CEO of Zwilling, a renowned premium kitchenware brand, where he played an instrumental role in expanding the company’s global footprint.
Most notably, Holst-Gydesen served as CEO of Viega, a global leader in infrastructure technology for buildings, known for its cutting-edge digital solutions for water and energy efficiency. Under his leadership, Viega strengthened its market presence across multiple international regions, demonstrating his ability to drive innovation and operational excellence. His expertise in business transformation and strategic scaling makes him an invaluable asset to Circus as it embarks on an aggressive international expansion plan.
Driving AI and Robotics in the Food Service Industry
As industries across the globe embrace artificial intelligence and robotics, the food service sector stands on the brink of a revolutionary transformation. Circus SE, with its proprietary AI-powered robotics solutions, is at the forefront of this shift. Holst-Gydesen’s appointment signifies the company’s commitment to strengthening its technological leadership and expanding its reach to new markets.
“AI and robotics will fundamentally transform the food service industry,” said Holst-Gydesen. “I am excited to bring ‘Innovation Made in Germany’ to the forefront of this global market with Circus. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with strong products, visionary founders, and exceptional teams. That’s exactly the impression I have of Circus, and I am eager to contribute to its success.”
His role as Co-CEO will be pivotal in leading Circus’ global expansion initiatives. With an emphasis on market penetration, strategic partnerships, and operational scalability, Holst-Gydesen aims to propel Circus into new territories, ensuring that the company capitalizes on its pioneering work in Embodied AI applications.
Strengthening Leadership for Strategic Growth
Nikolas Bullwinkel, CEO of Circus, expressed his enthusiasm about Holst-Gydesen joining the leadership team, emphasizing the synergy between their visions for the company’s future.
“Claus’ impressive track record and expertise in scaling businesses into global market leaders make him the perfect strategic addition to our management team,” said Bullwinkel. “Together, we will establish a global leader in embodied robotics and Physical AI systems. His experience and strategic mindset will be crucial as we continue our mission to revolutionize the food service industry.”
Circus SE has rapidly emerged as a leader in AI-driven robotics, particularly within the food service sector, where efficiency, precision, and automation are increasingly becoming industry imperatives. The company’s ability to blend advanced AI software with robotic solutions has positioned it as a formidable force in the market. With Holst-Gydesen on board, the company aims to refine its growth strategy and extend its technological advancements to a global scale.
Expansion Plans and Industry Impact
The announcement of Holst-Gydesen’s appointment comes at a time of significant milestones for Circus. Recently, the company initiated the mass production of its AI-powered CA-1 robot in collaboration with a globally recognized high-tech manufacturing partner. The CA-1 robot, designed to enhance operational efficiency in food service establishments, is set to be delivered to clients later this year.
Circus has already secured an order backlog of over 8,600 CA-1 robotic units from international clients, a clear indicator of the growing demand for AI-integrated solutions in the industry. As businesses worldwide face labor shortages and increasing operational costs, AI-powered robotics offer a sustainable and efficient solution.

Under Holst-Gydesen’s leadership, Circus SE will prioritize expanding its market reach by forging strategic partnerships with leading food service providers, restaurant chains, and hospitality groups. The company will also invest heavily in research and development to further enhance its AI capabilities, ensuring that its robotics solutions remain at the cutting edge of technological advancements.
Pioneering the Future of AI in Food Service
The integration of AI in the food service industry is no longer a futuristic concept but a tangible reality that is reshaping operations worldwide. Circus SE’s commitment to innovation is evident in its development of AI-powered solutions that address industry pain points such as labor shortages, food safety, and operational efficiency.
With the addition of Holst-Gydesen to its executive team, Circus SE is poised to accelerate its mission of transforming the food service sector. His leadership and strategic insights will play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of global expansion, ensuring that the company remains ahead of the curve in AI and robotics advancements.
A Vision for Global Leadership
Circus SE’s vision extends beyond being a leader in AI robotics for food service. The company envisions a future where intelligent robotics seamlessly integrate into everyday operations, enhancing efficiency and customer experience. The appointment of Claus Holst-Gydesen underscores Circus’ dedication to assembling a world-class leadership team capable of executing this ambitious vision.
As the company embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders, partners, and industry leaders will be watching closely. With a clear strategy, a robust technological foundation, and an executive team dedicated to global excellence, Circus SE is well on its way to becoming a dominant force in AI-driven food service automation.
Holst-Gydesen’s appointment is not just an addition to the leadership team—it’s a strategic move that signifies the dawn of a new era for Circus SE. With his expertise and the company’s innovative prowess, the future of AI in the food service industry looks brighter than ever.
As the world embraces automation and AI-driven efficiencies, Circus SE stands at the helm of this transformation, ready to redefine the future of food service, one robotic innovation at a time.