Tata Steel Europe CEO Karl Koehler resigns

Karl Koehler the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tata Steel’s embattled European arm, has resigned from his post.

The Tata Steel board announced Koehler has decided to step down and will take up a senior leadership position with a large privately-owned industrial company in Germany.

He will remain available to Tata Steel for a short period in an advisory capacity.
With effect from 1 March 2016, Hans Fischer, currently Chief Technical Officer of Tata Steel Europe, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer and will join the Board of Tata Steel Europe.

Karl Koehler said:

“The last six years have been a challenging journey of change for Tata Steel in Europe as it dealt with unprecedented market conditions. The company’s focus on customers has led to the strengthening of its product portfolio and stronger partnerships with customers which have started to deliver results. The focus on efficiency gains, meanwhile, has been key to creating a better foundation for the company. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play my role alongside many colleagues in achieving these changes.

“I am pleased that an individual with the experience and caliber of Hans Fischer will be taking over the role of Chief Executive Officer. I believe the new leadership of Tata Steel Europe will continue the journey of making the company stronger in the challenging times the European steel industry is facing.”

Koehler, a former member of the executive committee of industry body World Steel Association, was Vice Chairman of VDEh, the German Iron and Steel Institute.

During his over 30-year steel career, he has worked as a member of the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp AG and has also been President of Eurofer or European steelmaking federation.