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Fourth generation CEO takes helm at century-old Chattanooga firm

A prosthetic technician at a Fillauer facility in Chattanooga assembles a below-the-knee limb system.
A prosthetic technician at a Fillauer facility in Chattanooga assembles a below-the-knee limb system. A prosthetic technician at a Fillauer facility in Chattanooga assembles a below-the-knee limb system.

By Mike Pare 4 min read

photo Staff Photo by Dan Henry / Shaded foot shells are on display at a Chattanooga office of Fillauer.

Michael Fillauer

› Job: Fillauer Cos. Inc. chief executive› Age: 41› Background: Grew up in Knoxville› Experience: Began career as a certified prosthetist orthotist and upper extremity prosthetic specialist; joined Fillauer board in 1993; president of Fillauer LLC in 2007› Quote: “We’ve got a reputation of being innovative and on the cutting edge. We want to remain there and drive forward new technologies and techniques.”

New Fillauer Cos. Inc. chief Michael Fillauer was in Germany last week for an international trade show with hopes the Chattanooga-based orthotic and prosthetic device maker can bolster foreign sales.

“It’s a good opportunity to expose our product to other markets,” said Fillauer, recently named as the fourth generation to lead the business begun by great-great-grandfather George Fillauer Jr.

Michael Fillauer, 41, was elevated to the top post about a month ago after having served the last nine years as president of Fillauer LLC, which he termed the local manufacturing backbone for the 102-year-old venture.

Fillauer, who joined the privately held company’s board in 1993, is replacing Ken Driver. He’ll continue to serve on the board as executive vice chairman, according to the company. Karl Fillauer, the new CEO’s father, is the board’s chairman.