Thyssenkrupp: New CFO and CHRO as part of executive board restructuring

thyssenkrupp AG has announced key changes to its Executive Board, appointing Wilfried von Rath as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) effective April 1, 2025, and Dr. Axel Hamann as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective May 1, 2025. The appointments were confirmed during an extraordinary meeting of the Supervisory Board.

Wilfried von Rath will succeed Oliver Burkhard, who previously announced his decision to step down from the CHRO role to focus on his position as CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS), where he is leading the planned spin-off of the division.

Dr. Axel Hamann will take over the CFO role from Dr. Jens Schulte, who has served as CFO since June 2024 and temporarily held the additional role of acting CHRO since February 2025. Dr. Schulte had requested to step down from the Executive Board to pursue a new role at Deutsche Börse AG, with his departure taking place by mutual agreement.

Prof. Siegfried Russwurm, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of thyssenkrupp AG, commented on the appointments:
“thyssenkrupp AG is in the midst of a broad realignment of its business performance and portfolio. With Wilfried von Rath and Axel Hamann, we are bringing on board two highly experienced professionals with proven track records in organizational transformation. Their leadership will strengthen the Executive Board as it continues to guide the company through its ongoing transformation.”

Von Rath brings extensive experience in human resources management across major industrial companies. Most recently, he was Managing Partner at Lynius GmbH, a restructuring and strategy consultancy. His previous roles include senior HR positions at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, MAN Energy Solutions, and Volkswagen Slovakia, as well as leadership roles in HR development at Volkswagen Group. He began his career at Lufthansa Consulting and holds a degree in psychology.

Dr. Hamann joins thyssenkrupp from Bayer AG, where he served as Head of Global M&A and Head of Internal Audit & Risk Management. Over the years, he has held several leadership roles at Bayer, including CFO of the Pharmaceuticals Division and CEO/CFO for the group’s operations in Türkiye. He was also involved in the IPO of Covestro. Dr. Hamann holds degrees in law and business administration and began his professional career at the law firm Hengeler Mueller.

Source and Photo: Thyssenkrupp