Leadership Transition Strengthens NorthAmerican Operations
Thyssenkrupp Materials Services has announced a significantleadership appointment with Dr. Heather Wijdekop set to take the helm as CEO ofits Business Unit Processing, effective July 1, 2025. In this dual role, Dr.Wijdekop will also lead the Operating Unit Processing North America,underscoring the company's continued strategic focus on the North Americanmarket.
The appointment comes as part of thyssenkrupp's ongoingefforts to strengthen its position in North America, where the company hasdirected approximately 70% of its investments over the past five years. Thissubstantial financial commitment highlights the region's importance as a keygrowth market for the German industrial conglomerate.
Experienced Industry Leader Takes the Reins
Dr. Wijdekop brings over two decades of internationalindustry experience to her new role, with a strong background in the steelsector. Her career includes significant leadership positions at Tata SteelEurope and Corus Group, providing her with comprehensive knowledge of themetals industry and global markets.
Most recently, she served as Director Commercial at TataSteel IJmuiden, where she played a pivotal role in driving sales growth andexpanding the company's product portfolio. This commercial expertise will beparticularly valuable as thyssenkrupp continues to develop itsmaterials-as-a-service strategy, which focuses on providing comprehensivesolutions rather than simply supplying raw materials.
Ilse Henne, CEO of thyssenkrupp Materials Services,expressed confidence in the appointment, stating: "We are delighted towelcome Dr. Wijdekop to our leadership team. Her customer-centric approach,global experience, and strategic vision align perfectly with ourmaterials-as-a-service strategy. Her leadership will be instrumental as wecontinue to strengthen our position in North America and enhance our processingcapabilities worldwide."
Leadership Continuity and Transition
Dr. Wijdekop succeeds Norbert Goertz, who has been leadingthe Business Unit Processing. Following the transition, Goertz will continue inhis role as interim CFO of Business Unit Solutions while also overseeingCorporate Functions at thyssenkrupp's North American headquarters in Michigan.This arrangement ensures leadership continuity while allowing for freshperspectives in the Processing business.
Key Takeaways:
• Thyssenkrupp Materials Services has appointed Dr. HeatherWijdekop as the new CEO of its Business Unit Processing, effective July 1,2025.
• Dr. Wijdekop will also lead the Operating Unit ProcessingNorth America, succeeding Norbert Goertz, who will continue as interim CFO ofBusiness Unit Solutions and oversee Corporate Functions at the North Americanheadquarters in Michigan.
• She brings over 20 years of international industryexperience, including significant leadership roles at Tata Steel Europe andCorus Group.
• Most recently, Dr. Wijdekop served as Director Commercialat Tata Steel IJmuiden, where she contributed to sales growth and portfolioexpansion.
• North America represents a strategic growth region forthyssenkrupp, with approximately 70% of the company's investments over the pastfive years directed to this market.
• The Business Unit Processing operates facilities in bothEurope and North America, providing customized flat-rolled metal processing andsupply chain management services.
