Yoshiharu Ikeda Appointed New CEO of Primetals Technologies: A Strategic Shift for the Future of Metals
Primetals Technologies, a global leader in the metals industry, has officially appointed Yoshiharu Ikeda as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025. Ikeda succeeds Satoru Iijima, who will transition into the role of Director of the Board and Fellow Advisor. Ikeda brings decades of invaluable leadership experience to the role, having been deeply involved in the metals and machinery sectors for much of his career.
The appointment of Ikeda marks an exciting new chapter for Primetals Technologies, a company at the forefront of engineering, plant building, and lifecycle services for the metals industry. With a broad global presence, Primetals Technologies is a pioneering force in driving digitalization, electrification, and decarbonization across the steel and metals production process.
Ikeda’s Leadership and Vision for the Future
Having spent the majority of his career at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ikeda’s extensive background in both commercial and strategic roles gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the metals industry today. He started his career in the mid-1980s and has held several key positions, including Manager of Global Sales for Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery and CEO of Primetals Technologies USA. Most recently, Ikeda served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Primetals Technologies, a role that further cemented his understanding of the company’s financial health and strategy.
In his new position as CEO, Ikeda is expected to lead Primetals Technologies with a focus on innovating the industry, especially through initiatives such as the HYFOR project (Hydrogen-based Fine Ore Reduction), Smelter developments, and the electrification of furnaces in rolling mills and processing lines. Ikeda emphasizes the importance of sustainable metals production, particularly in the upstream and downstream areas, and underscores the company’s commitment to digital decarbonization, emissions monitoring, robotics, and process optimization.
“The metals industry is in a challenging but exciting phase. As a global leader in the sector, our role is to redefine how sustainable metals are produced. This applies not only to projects like HYFOR and Smelter but also to innovations like our Arvedi ESP (Endless Strip Production) technology,” said Ikeda, expressing his dedication to making Primetals Technologies a beacon of innovation in the field of green manufacturing.
Under Ikeda's leadership, Primetals Technologies plans to continue advancing in digital transformation, environmental responsibility, and cutting-edge automation solutions. The company’s diverse portfolio, which includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions, is poised to further solidify its leadership in providing lifecycle services across the steel industry and nonferrous metal sectors.
New CFO and COO Appointments: Key Leadership Changes
Alongside Ikeda’s appointment, Primetals Technologies also announced two other crucial leadership changes to further strengthen its management team. Effective from the same date, Andreas Weinhengst will take over the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Weinhengst, who has served as CFO at Primetals Technologies Austria since 2018, brings over three decades of expertise in commercial sales, accounting, and controlling within the metals industry. His previous roles include positions such as Commercial Head of M&A at Kvaerner Metals Business at Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau and Head of Accounting at Siemens VAI Metals Technologies.
Karl Purkarthofer, currently the CEO of Primetals Technologies Austria, will be appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Primetals Technologies. In this newly created role, Purkarthofer will oversee several crucial global functions, including supply chain management, turnkey solutions, manufacturing, project management, engineering, quality management, and environmental health and safety. Purkarthofer’s impressive background, including his leadership roles in the US, UK, and Austria, positions him well to guide Primetals Technologies through a period of growth and operational excellence.
A Global Leader in Metals Technology and Innovation
Primetals Technologies is a Group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and employs over 7,000 specialists worldwide. The company is known for offering a comprehensive technology portfolio that spans every step of the iron and steel production chain, from raw materials to the finished product. Among its innovative offerings are electrification solutions for furnaces, advanced rolling technologies, automation systems, and environmentally sustainable processes.
The company’s ongoing projects, such as the Arvedi ESP technology, represent the cutting edge of rolling solutions, revolutionizing how metals are produced in a highly energy-efficient manner. Primetals Technologies also champions digitalization and eco-solutions, positioning itself as a leader in the global push toward more sustainable manufacturing.
Commitment to Sustainability and the Digital Future
As the metals industry faces increasing pressures to reduce its environmental impact, Primetals Technologies is at the forefront of transforming the sector. Ikeda’s leadership vision is centered on delivering innovations that help meet the industry's decarbonization goals. The company is heavily invested in green technologies and digital solutions, developing methods that will lead to more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible operations across the globe.
Under Ikeda’s guidance, Primetals Technologies plans to expand its offerings and strengthen its position as a leading provider of sustainable technologies in the metals industry. With ongoing developments in digital decarbonization, emissions control, and robotics, the company is paving the way for a more sustainable and intelligent future for metals production.
Key Takeaways:
• New Leadership: Yoshiharu Ikeda has been appointed as the new CEO of Primetals Technologies, succeeding Satoru Iijima, effective April 1, 2025.
• Experienced Leadership Team: Ikeda brings decades of leadership experience in the metals industry, particularly from his roles at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Primetals Technologies.
• New CFO and COO: Andreas Weinhengst will take on the role of CFO, and Karl Purkarthofer will become the new COO, bringing their expertise to support Primetals Technologies’ global growth.
• Focus on Sustainability: Ikeda's leadership will focus on advancing sustainable metal production technologies, including projects like HYFOR, Smelter, and electrification of furnaces.
• Global Innovation Leadership: Primetals Technologies continues to innovate in digital decarbonization, emissions monitoring, robotics, and process optimization.
• Arvedi ESP Technology: The company is revolutionizing steel production with the Arvedi ESP technology, which enables highly efficient rolling processes for steel.
• Commitment to Digitalization: The company is advancing digital solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability in metal production.
• A Global Leader: With over 7,000 employees worldwide, Primetals Technologies remains a leader in providing engineering and lifecycle services for the metals industry.
