Lenzing carves out chief transformation officer role
Austrian wood-based cellulosic fibre manufacturer Lenzing has named Dr Walter Bickel (pictured) chief transformation officer and a member of its managing board, effective April 15.
His tenure is due to end on December 31, 2025.
Germany-based restructuring consultant Dr Bickel, who also serves as founder and managing director of his own consulting firm, Bickel & Company, will subsequently lead on the further development and delivery of Lenzing’s performance programme, set into motion by its managing board last autumn.
The group-wide initiative’s core focus is ensuring positive free cash flow, strengthened sales and margin growth, plus sustainable cost excellence.
Chairman of the producer’s supervisory board, Cord Prinzhorn, commented: “After careful consideration, the supervisory board came to the conclusion that expanding the managing board is the right step towards overcoming the current [economic recovery] crisis and the major challenges associated with it.
“In Dr Bickel we have gained a great and experienced manager, and I am very much looking forward to working with him. Together with the strong team around [chief executive] Stephan Sielaff, he will help Lenzing come out of this difficult phase stronger.”
Mr Sielaff, for his part, said that the appointment would enable him to "fully focus on the core business".
Dr Walter Bickel. Image courtesy of Bickel & Company.
