Salzgitter AG Strengthens HKM Leadership for Steel Transformation and New Construction Projects

The management structure of HKM is being systematically realigned to master future challenges.

(IN BRIEF) Salzgitter AG is systematically realigning the management structure of Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann GmbH (HKM) following its acquisition, with the aim of strengthening the company’s focus on transformation, new construction projects and integration into the Salzgitter Group. Andreas Betzler has taken over as Chief Financial Officer and Spokesperson for the Management Board, with responsibility for strategic development and continued group integration, while La-Toya Müller will support organizational and cultural integration as Head of Post-Merger Integration. Dr. Heiko von Hagen has been appointed Managing Director of Production, and Martin Zappe, Program Director of SALCOS®, has become Managing Director for Sustainability and New Construction Projects, including work linked to Germany’s largest electric arc furnace in Duisburg. Dr. Peter Biele, previously Chief Technology Officer, will leave the company, while Carsten Laakmann continues as Director of Labor Affairs and Managing Director of Human Resources.

(PRESS RELEASE) SALZGITTER, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Following its acquisition by Salzgitter AG, the management structure of Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann GmbH, known as HKM, is being systematically realigned to address the company’s next phase of development.

The restructuring is designed to place stronger focus on key future priorities, including new construction projects, industrial transformation and HKM’s integration into the Salzgitter Group.

With a newly appointed management team and expanded post-merger integration structures, HKM is positioning its leadership around the strategic challenges facing the steel industry and the company’s role within the wider Salzgitter Group.

As part of the reorganization, Andreas Betzler assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer and Spokesperson for the Management Board on 10 July 2026.

In this position, Betzler will oversee HKM’s continued integration into the Salzgitter Group and drive the company’s strategic development.

La-Toya Müller, Head of Post-Merger Integration, will play a central role in supporting this process.

She will help advance both the organizational and cultural integration of HKM into the Salzgitter Group.

Dr. Heiko von Hagen has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Production.

Von Hagen previously served as Head of Supply Chain Management at Salzgitter AG Holding.

Most recently, he was responsible, among other duties, for the allocation of HKM slabs within the group.

He brings extensive experience from his work involving both HKM and Salzgitter AG.

Martin Zappe, Program Director of SALCOS®, has been appointed Managing Director for Sustainability and New Construction Projects at HKM.

Drawing on his long-standing experience in planning and implementing SALCOS®, Salzgitter AG’s transformation program, Zappe will help shape the next major steps in the construction of Germany’s largest electric arc furnace in Duisburg.

At the same time, Dr. Peter Biele, who has served as HKM’s Chief Technology Officer, will leave the company.

Carsten Laakmann, Director of Labor Affairs and Managing Director of Human Resources, will continue as part of the management team alongside Andreas Betzler, Heiko von Hagen and Martin Zappe.

Gunnar Groebler, CEO of the Salzgitter Group, said Peter Biele had led HKM with strong dedication and professional expertise during challenging times and had provided important momentum for the company’s further development.

Groebler said Salzgitter AG is grateful for Biele’s valuable contributions.

He added that the restructuring of HKM’s management team lays the foundation for successfully shaping the upcoming transformation challenges in the steel industry and making use of the opportunities that arise.

Andreas Betzler, spokesperson for HKM’s management, said the new organizational structure brings together the expertise needed to address HKM’s most important future challenges.

He said the goal is to position the company for long-term economic and technological sustainability, successfully advance its integration into the Salzgitter Group and set the course for the transformation of steel production.

Betzler added that the restructuring is intended to strengthen HKM’s long-term viability and create the basis for successful and sustainable growth in the years ahead.

Through the realignment, HKM’s management structure is being adjusted to focus more directly on transformation, integration and future-oriented steel production within the Salzgitter Group.

Media Contacts:

Thorsten Moellmann
Head of Communication & Brand
Phone: +49 5341 21-2300
moellmann.t@salzgitter-ag.de

Daniel Mau
Press Spokesperson
Phone: +49 5341 21-5350
mau.d@salzgitter-ag.de

SOURCE: Salzgitter AG