Roland Hovestadt - CEO

Karlsruhe, Germany

Experience

Oct 2023 - May 2024

8 months

CEO

SOEX-Gruppe (& I:CO)

Brought a misdirected restructuring back on track
Created a positive momentum by motivating, inspiring and encouraging employees to stay engaged during this challenging period
Developed a viable strategy concept and created a 5-year roadmap from it
Digitized the collection logistics processes holistically with AI support, leading to optimized operations and a significant efficiency increase
Designed a complex technical concept for automated, AI-supported textile sorting at an industrial scale
Implemented efficient structures and established clear communication channels, contributing to improved team coordination and clear definition of responsibilities
Strategically developed and successfully implemented a dynamic sales structure that, through proactive leadership and targeted talent development, increased sales momentum and employee motivation
Created tailored concepts for international retailers, fashion brands, producers and wholesalers (pre-/post-consumer textiles) as a core part of the new strategic direction
Initiated and maintained partnerships between industry and research to advance the shared goal of "Circularity in Textile" with recognized expertise
Reduced the investment backlog by modernizing and optimizing machinery and plant engineering, resulting in a significant increase in operational productivity

Mar 2023 - Sep 2023

7 months

Head of National and International Hazardous Waste Disposal

Willersinn Gruppe

Simplified and established processes and structures for higher flexibility, efficiency and productivity while maintaining a solution-oriented customer focus
Optimized and modernized machinery and plant engineering according to needs
Conducted comprehensive employee training and team building measures to meet growing demands and revenues with higher flexibility and solid employee know-how

Apr 2019 - Feb 2023

3 years 11 months

Managing Director

WHG Rahn GmbH

Restructuring: developed and implemented a roadmap with clear goals for structural, digital and personnel transformation, focusing on unconditional quality and the value of employees
Consistently implemented internal structures and processes to achieve higher work and cost efficiency and productivity
Emphasized employee development through seminars, workshops and individual coaching
Implemented a comprehensive ERP software solution, including configuration and training, aiming for full digital support of all processes
Installed BIM-capable software for planning services and construction-related drafts
Used social media strategically as a tool for talent development, employee retention and company branding
Built a broad network to strengthen and further develop market positioning and a strategic business partner network to leverage diverse synergies and competencies
Awarded 1st place in the HWK state competition "Innovative Apprentice"
Successfully entered prefabrication of shaft and corridor boxes according to BIM
2020 M&A: acquired a climate/cooling technology company as an ideal addition to the portfolio

Aug 2018 - Mar 2019

8 months

Plant Manager Airbus Kit Factory

DB Schenker/Airbus Hamburg

Significantly increased productivity and efficiency through fundamental layout optimization and implementation of an integrated MDT/IT solution
Conducted comprehensive test runs and training programs as part of the rollout, contributing to increased user competence, optimized system use and ensuring a smooth system transition

Dec 2017 - Nov 2018

1 year

Consulting Project Manager Tool Technology

Großring-Schneid- und Trenntechnik

Further developed a cutting plant for large rings (up to 6 m)
Designed and engineered a mobile plant concept
Created a business plan including an international market analysis and sales concept

Nov 2015 - May 2017

1 year 7 months

Sole Managing Director

SRP Saarländische Rohprodukte GmbH

Developed a viable, comprehensive recovery plan for four locations with a clear strategy and roadmap
Conducted a detailed analysis of the cost structure to identify optimization opportunities
Established a lean, flexible sales model and integrated it into a CRM system, achieving strong customer and market engagement
Implemented operational excellence (LEAN and KPIs) to efficiently and sustainably meet high quality standards while maintaining cost efficiency in production and supply chain
Introduced structured, disciplined planning and control of operational processes, boosting efficiency and reducing existing investment backlog
Improved the 2016 operating result by €1.5M
Designed a new plant concept to increase value creation
Acquired and integrated niche suppliers as ideal additions to the service and product portfolio

Feb 2015 - Jun 2015

5 months

Project Manager for Copper Semi-Finished Products and Electrotechnical Products

Halbzeug-Industrie

Introduced standardization and automation of advanced welding techniques to optimize overall production

Jun 2014 - Oct 2015

1 year 5 months

Consulting Project Manager for Site Concepts

Recycling Industrie International

Developed process- and cost-optimized production layouts in the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Poland, taking environmental regulations and energy efficiency into account
Identified and realized value creation potential in plant and process technology
Reduced operating costs by up to 23%

Mar 2014 - Aug 2014

6 months

Project Manager

Metall- und Rohstoffhandel Monaco

Developed a sustainable production and sales concept to expand the value chain in international B2B trade
Created a business plan forecasting a revenue increase of €10M in the first year and €25M in the second year
Defined M&A targets, conducted market and potential analysis, and created and coordinated the due diligence checklist

Nov 2013 - Oct 2015

2 years

Mill Services Test Melt Monitoring

Rohstoffindustrie International

Supervised and evaluated test melts in steel mills and foundries in Germany, Belgium, Spain, Finland and the UK

Oct 2013 - Oct 2015

2 years 1 month

International Supply Chain Consultant

International Stainless Steel Works

Optimized raw material management at European and Indian stainless steel mills and foundries
Supported and improved quality inspection
Defined quality parameters and created supplier matrices
Conducted staff training in operational management

Dec 2011 - Mar 2013

1 year 4 months

Member of the Management Board

Cronimet Hispania S.A.

Established and developed a joint venture with an operating plant as the entry into the Spanish market
Increased local production capacity utilization to over 60% in the first year

Jun 2011 - Sep 2013

2 years 4 months

Head of Business Development and Head of Technical

Cronimet Holding GmbH

Took interim P&L co-responsibility for 17 production sites in 12 countries and realized optimization potentials
Reorganized distribution of material and raw material flows from over 50 locations and optimized them under defined cost and quality parameters
Assembled international cross-functional project teams and addressed deficits in quality and operational management
Developed and implemented a roadmap for strategic expansion in Asia
Managed five M&A and JV projects worldwide, including due diligence and integration
Negotiated long-term supply contracts with an Indian stainless steel plant (revenue > $200M/year)
Achieved a turnaround of the UK subsidiary with over 100% sales increase at 3 plants and 60 employees
Designed lifecycle concepts with OEMs (BMW, Daimler, VW, Ford)
Realized annual savings of over $10M in group-wide logistics
Carried out central technical developments on machines, equipment, and processes
Realized investment savings of $8.5M over two years
Co-developed prototypes of a laser-induced sorting technology (LIPS) and the BQC quick-change system

Jun 2004 - May 2009

5 years

Managing Director and COO

JSP (Japanese Stainless Processing)

Took operational and business responsibility for three plants and ensured top global quality standards
Advised and trained the procurement team on developing the Japanese raw material market
Achieved capacity expansion and continuous revenue growth of the JV to over $600M
Responsible for the start-up of three production sites in Japan

Jan 1999 - May 2011

12 years 5 months

Head of Special Projects Business Turnaround

ELG Haniel Metals, Corp.

Led the business turnaround of a loss-making US division with nine production sites and drove it to an operating profit of $20-40M
Reorganized purchasing and sales structures to strengthen efficiency and market presence
Conducted final negotiations on supply contracts with stainless steel plants in North America and Asia
Handled M&A projects from target valuation and due diligence through post-merger integration (PMI)
Continuously applied LEAN, Kaizen, and 5S methods
Resolved quality and contract disputes worth $16M
Implemented energy efficiency measures and achieved 35% savings

Oct 1997 - Dec 1998

1 year 3 months

Head of Special Projects

ELG Haniel GmbH

Initiated and led R&D projects with industry partners: implemented modifications to technical machines and systems for better maintainability, durability, productivity and energy efficiency
Designed the layout and construction of new production facilities in Europe and the USA
Conceptualized and established the largest raw material processing and port handling facility for stainless steel (600,000 t/year) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Contributed to the scientific development of a mobile metal analysis device

Summary

Management of production, engineering and sales along the value and circular chain from raw material/process industry, through the steel/metal industry to recycling and related special machine and plant construction
Responsible for profitable development and transformation of global business activities in production-based companies in the steel, automotive, and aerospace industries
Strategy development and implementation of business concepts on sustainability, e.g. in the recycling, automotive, aerospace, and construction industries
International sales leadership and profit responsibility in the raw material and metal industry with close contact to steel mills and foundries
Operational management of international production sites with P&L responsibility for revenues over $600M under strict productivity, cost efficiency and quality parameters
Proven international success in operational excellence in the context of restructurings, business turnarounds as well as in the setup and expansion of subsidiaries, including long-term assignments in the USA and Japan
Strong technical and sales expertise, as well as creativity in the strategic development and expansion of global sales markets through a strong customer focus and targeted, innovative product and process development