In a statement, the German plant builder said it has named Hans Ferkel as chief technology officer and Michael Rzepczyk as chief operating officer.

Ferkel is joining SMS group from thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, where he serves as head of technology and innovation. He previously held senior management research and development positions at Volkswagen. Rzepczyk currently serves as SMS group’s executive vice president of its metallurgy division and is mainly responsible for the execution of major projects.

“They are experienced industry experts and will support SMS in further expanding its market leadership in metallurgical plant construction,” SMS group chief executive Burkhard Dahmen.

SMS group’s five-member management board will consist of Dahmen, Ferkel and Rzepczyk, along with Torsten Heising, who oversees finance, and Katja Windt, who heads the company's digitalization efforts.

“The management board is now perfectly positioned to implement our growth strategy and to remain a key partner for our most sophisticated customers,” Dahmen said.  

The changes come as management board member Guido Kleinschmidt has stepped down from his current role for a position outside of the company. 

"We would like to thank Dr. Kleinschmidt for his successful work. His professional competence has earned him a strong reputation both within our company and with our business partners,” Dahmen said.