Roland H.
CEO
Experience
Oct 2023 - May 2024
8 monthsAhrensburg, Germany
CEO
SOEX-Gruppe (& I:CO)
- International textile recycling: collection, sorting, global sales and recycling of fashion & technical textiles
- Steered a misaligned turnaround back on track
- Created positive momentum by motivating, inspiring and encouraging staff to stay engaged during a tough phase
- Developed a solid strategy concept and created a 5-year roadmap
- Digitized collection logistics processes end-to-end with AI, optimizing operations and significantly boosting efficiency
- Designed a complex technical concept for automated, AI-supported industrial-scale textile sorting
- Implemented efficient structures and clear communication channels, improving team coordination and defining responsibilities
- Strategically developed and 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, manufacturers 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 expert know-how
- Targeted backlog reduction by modernizing and optimizing machinery and equipment, significantly increasing operational productivity
Mar 2023 - Sep 2023
7 monthsHeßheim, Germany
Bereichsleitung Nat./Internationale Entsorgung Gefährlicher Abfallstoffe der US-Streitkräfte u. anderer NATO Staaten
Willersinn Gruppe
- Simplified and established processes and structures for greater flexibility, efficiency and productivity, while maintaining a solution-oriented customer focus
- Optimized and modernized machinery and equipment as needed
- Conducted comprehensive employee training and team-building measures to meet growing demands and revenues with greater flexibility and solid staff know-how
Apr 2019 - Feb 2023
3 years 11 monthsPirmasens, Germany
Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter
WHG Rahn GmbH
- Planned, installed and maintained heating, water, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems in public and private sectors, commercial and industrial
- Restructuring: Developed and executed a roadmap with clear, communicated goals for structural, digital and personnel transformation, focusing on uncompromising quality and valuing employees as “craftsmen by passion”
- Consistently implemented internal structures and processes to achieve higher labor and cost efficiency and productivity
- Strong focus on employee development: seminars, workshops and individual coaching
- Implemented a comprehensive ERP software solution with configuration and training to fully digitalize all processes
- Installed BIM-capable software for planning services and on-site designs
- Used social media strategically as a tool for recruiting young talent, employee retention and company branding
- Built a broad, dynamic network to strengthen and evolve market positioning and to create a strategic business partner network for diverse synergies and performance capabilities
- 1st place in the state HWK competition “Azubi Innovativ”
- Successfully entered prefabrication of shafts and floor boxes using BIM
- 01.2020 M&A: Acquired a HVAC and refrigeration technology company as an ideal complement
Aug 2018 - Mar 2019
8 monthsHamburg, Germany
Standortleiter Airbus Kit-Factory
DB Schenker/Airbus
- Boosted productivity and efficiency significantly through fundamental layout optimization and implementation of an integrated MDT/IT solution
- Ran extensive testing and training programs during rollout, enhancing user competence, optimizing system use and ensuring a smooth transition
Dec 2017 - Nov 2018
1 yearGermany
Beratungsmandat Werkzeugtechnik
Großring-Schneid- u. Trenntechnik
- Advanced a large-ring cutting system (up to 6m) technically
- Designed a mobile plant concept
- Created a business plan including international market analysis and sales concept
Nov 2015 - May 2017
1 year 7 monthsHomburg, Germany
Alleingeschäftsführer Tochtergesellschaft der Loacker Recycling GmbH | FE, NE & Wertstoff Recycling
SRP Saarländische Rohprodukte GmbH
- Developed a comprehensive turnaround plan for four sites with clear strategy and roadmap
- Analyzed cost structures in detail to identify optimization potential
- Built a flexible sales concept and integrated it into a CRM system, ensuring close customer and market proximity
- Lived Operational Excellence (LEAN + KPIs) for efficient, sustainable high-quality standards in production & supply chain
- Introduced structured, disciplined planning and control of operations, greatly improving efficiencies and reducing investment backlog
- Improved operating result by €1.5M in 2016
- Designed a new plant concept to increase value creation depth
- M&A: Acquired and integrated a niche provider, perfectly complementing the service and product portfolio
Feb 2015 - Jun 2015
5 monthsGermany
Projektleitung Cu-Halbzeuge & Elektrotechnische Produkte
Halbzeug-Industrie, D
- Optimized production end-to-end by standardizing and automating complex welding processes
Jun 2014 - Oct 2015
1 year 5 monthsPoland
Int. Beratungsmandate Standortkonzepte
Recycling Industrie, International
- Developed process- and cost-optimized production layouts in the UK, NL, DE and PL, identifying and realizing value potential in plant and process technology under environmental and energy efficiency constraints
- Reduced operational costs by up to 23%
Mar 2014 - Aug 2014
6 monthsMonaco
Projektleitung
Metall- + Rohstoffhandel, Monaco
- Designed a sustainable production and sales concept to expand the served value chain in international B2B metal and raw material trading
- Increased sales by €10M in the first year and €25M in the second year
- M&A: Planned the takeover of a European steel mill
- Conducted detailed potential and market analysis and created a business plan
- Developed and managed a comprehensive due diligence checklist
Nov 2013 - Oct 2015
2 yearsBelgium
Mill Services Testschmelzenmonitoring
Rohstoffindustrie, International
- Oversaw and evaluated trial melts at steel mills and foundries in DE, BE, ES, FI, UK on behalf of raw material suppliers
Oct 2013 - Oct 2015
2 years 1 monthInt. Beratungsmandate SCM
Edelstahlwerke, International
- Optimized raw material management and supported quality control at European and Indian stainless steel works and foundries
- Defined quality parameters and created supplier matrices
- Supported staff in operations and conducted training workshops
Dec 2011 - Mar 2013
1 year 4 monthsBilbao, Spain
Mitglied der Geschäftsführung (parallele Verantwortung)
Cronimet Hispania S.A.
- Set up and developed a JV with an operational plant as the entry into the Spanish market and close customer engagement
- Secured a >60% utilization of production capacity in the first year by becoming a main supplier to a local steel mill
Jun 2011 - Sep 2013
2 years 4 monthsKarlsruhe, Germany
Leiter Geschäftsentwicklung + Interim-Mitglied der Geschäftsleitung und Leiter Technik (parallele Verantwortung)
Cronimet Holding GmbH
- Temporarily co-led P&L for 17 plants in 12 countries to identify and implement optimization potentials (Eastern Europe, Asia, South America)
- Reorganized SCM: globally optimized distribution of materials and raw materials from 50+ plants under defined cost and quality parameters, saving millions
- Formed international cross-functional teams to address deficits in product quality, operations and sales, closing gaps with innovative solutions
- Developed and executed a roadmap for strategic business growth in Asia, covering both operations and sales
- Led five M&A and JV projects worldwide, including target evaluation and professional due diligence
- Negotiated long-term supply contracts with an Indian steel mill totaling >$200M annually
- Improved global market share and position, especially in Asia, by strengthening ties with steel mills worldwide
- Turned around the UK subsidiary (3 plants, 60 staff, $150M) by focusing on process optimization, cost structure and product quality, doubling sales with new customers
- Developed lifecycle concepts and related process chains, collaborating with automotive OEMs (BMW, Daimler, VW, Ford)
- Realized >$10M annual savings in group-wide logistics organization and handling (Supply Chain)
- Centralized technical purchasing and operational project planning in the holding
- Advanced machine, plant and process technologies focusing on durability, serviceability, quality and low operating costs
- Achieved $8.5M investment savings over two years through central purchasing and project planning with improved group-wide services
- Co-developed prototypes for laser-induced sorting technology (LIPS) and plants for metallic materials and alloys
- Co-developed the BQC (Boom Quick Connect) quick-change system for handling machines with a 3rd lift cylinder to maximize lifting force
Jun 2004 - May 2009
5 yearsJapan
Managing Director, COO, Director of Operations (zeitgleich)
JSP (Japanese Stainless Processing)
- Took responsibility for operations and business development across three plants, ensuring globally top quality standards
- Advised and trained the purchasing team on sourcing from the Japanese raw material market
- Achieved solid capacity expansion and a continuous JV revenue increase to over $600M
Jan 1999 - May 2011
12 years 5 monthsPittsburgh, United States
Leiter Sonderprojekte des Managing Boards (USA) + Berater des COO (Gruppe); Leiter Asian Development (parallele Verantwortung)
ELG Haniel Metals, Corp.
- Led the turnaround of the loss-making US division with nine plants, delivering $20–40M in operating profit
- Reorganized procurement and sales structures to boost efficiency, strategic presence and market access
- Negotiated supply contracts with steel mills in North America and Asia, resolving quality disputes constructively
- Managed M&A projects end-to-end, from target evaluation and deep due diligence to final integration (PMI)
- Applied continuous improvement (KPI’s, LEAN, Kaizen, 5S) methods
- Secured market leadership in quality, technology and reliable customer focus
- Settled open quality and contract disputes worth $16M with a steel mill
- Achieved 35% savings through smart energy efficiency and usage measures
- Formed strategic international business partnerships to find and leverage win-win potential
- Led the startup of a JV in Japan (2000), including design and launch of three plants
- Grew Asian sales by focusing on continuity, product quality and exceptional service
- Managed the planning and startup of seven production sites in Asia
Oct 1997 - Dec 1998
1 year 3 monthsDuisburg, Germany
Leitung von Sonderprojekten des Technischen Geschäftsführers (COO)
ELG Haniel GmbH
- Initiated and led R&D projects with industry partners, modifying machines and plants for better serviceability, durability, productivity and cost/energy efficiency
- Designed layouts and setup of new production sites in Europe and the USA
- Conceptualized and built the world’s largest stainless steel handling and port facility (600,000t/year) in Rotterdam, NL
- Contributed to the development of a mobile metal analysis device
Summary
- Managed production, engineering and sales across the value and circular chain from raw material/process industries through steel/metal industry to recycling and related special machinery and plant engineering
- Responsible for profitable growth and transformation of global business activities in production-based companies in the steel, automotive & aerospace industries
- Developed and implemented business strategies focused on sustainability, e.g. in recycling, automotive, aerospace and construction industries
- Led international sales and results in raw material and metal industries, closely working with steel mills and foundries
- Managed 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 during restructurings, business turnarounds and in building subsidiaries, including long-term assignments to the USA and Japan
- Strong technical and sales skills and creativity in strategically building global markets through customer focus and targeted, innovative product and process development
Languages
German
NativeEnglish
AdvancedSpanish
IntermediateFrench
IntermediateJapanese
IntermediateEducation
Oct 1990 - May 1997
RWTH Aachen
Diplom-Ingenieur in Materials Science · Metallurgy & Materials Engineering · Aachen, Germany
Aug 1988 - May 1990
Degussa AG und IHK
Apprenticeship as Industrial Clerk · Frankfurt, Germany
Jul 1986 - Jun 1988
Z2 Fachschule des Heeres für Technik
Explosive Ordnance Disposal · Aachen, Germany
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