Former thyssenkrupp Executive to Lead Salzgitter Flachstahl
10/17/2024 - Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH has named Heike Denecke-Arnold as management board chair, succeeding Ulrich Grethe, who is retiring.
According to Salzgitter, Denecke-Arnold has more than 25 years of management experience in the steel industry and holds a doctorate in metallurgy and materials engineering from RWTH Aachen University.
“We are delighted to have recruited a proven steel expert and natural leader for our group in Dr. Denecke-Arnold. We are currently engaged in transitioning to low-carbon production processes. I am certain that with her extensive know-how, Dr. Denecke-Arnold will integrate and drive the further implementation of SALCOS – Salzgitter Low CO2 Steelmaking forward, with the prime aim of creating value-added solutions for our customers. This will also help to safeguard our location here and secure future-proof steel production in Germany,” said Gunnar Groebler, Salzgitter chief executive officer and chair of the supervisory board.
Denecke-Arnold previously served as the chief operating officer at thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG, but stepped down — along with several other executives — amid a dispute over the direction of the company. Her appointment takes effect on 1 May.
“I look forward to assuming a position of responsibility in this exciting and challenging phase of the company and to working with all the different teams to successfully lead the company’s transformation into the future,” Denecke-Arnold said.
“I am firmly convinced that steel will remain the No. 1 industrial material and that it can continue to be viably produced in Germany. The transformation already underway proves that we are on the right track.”
Grethe will step aside at the end of the year. Groebler said he has played a decisive role at Salzgitter Flachstahl.
“His journey from trainee to chair of the management board and member of the group management board is a testament to what can be achieved with verve, expertise and personal integrity,” Groebler said. “He initiated and shaped many of the trailblazing strategies of the past decades. Ulrich Grethe has been instrumental in ensuring that Salzgitter as a steel location has the necessary potential to maintain its leadership role.”
“We are delighted to have recruited a proven steel expert and natural leader for our group in Dr. Denecke-Arnold. We are currently engaged in transitioning to low-carbon production processes. I am certain that with her extensive know-how, Dr. Denecke-Arnold will integrate and drive the further implementation of SALCOS – Salzgitter Low CO2 Steelmaking forward, with the prime aim of creating value-added solutions for our customers. This will also help to safeguard our location here and secure future-proof steel production in Germany,” said Gunnar Groebler, Salzgitter chief executive officer and chair of the supervisory board.
Denecke-Arnold previously served as the chief operating officer at thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG, but stepped down — along with several other executives — amid a dispute over the direction of the company. Her appointment takes effect on 1 May.
“I look forward to assuming a position of responsibility in this exciting and challenging phase of the company and to working with all the different teams to successfully lead the company’s transformation into the future,” Denecke-Arnold said.
“I am firmly convinced that steel will remain the No. 1 industrial material and that it can continue to be viably produced in Germany. The transformation already underway proves that we are on the right track.”
Grethe will step aside at the end of the year. Groebler said he has played a decisive role at Salzgitter Flachstahl.
“His journey from trainee to chair of the management board and member of the group management board is a testament to what can be achieved with verve, expertise and personal integrity,” Groebler said. “He initiated and shaped many of the trailblazing strategies of the past decades. Ulrich Grethe has been instrumental in ensuring that Salzgitter as a steel location has the necessary potential to maintain its leadership role.”
