René Gissinger holds a degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering and law as well as a Ph.D. in material science. He is managing director of his private company Pipe GmbH & Co KG, which holds shares of various companies in the metal processing, hydraulics, real estate and renewable energy sectors. Prior to his current position, Gissinger served decades as a managing director and board member for international groups in the automotive, machine building and steel sectors.