Salzgitter Group Realigns HKM’s Leadership
08/18/2026 - Salzgitter AG announced it will systematically realign the management structure of Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann GmbH (HKM) for better integration after the acquisition.
The company said the future priorities include new construction projects, transformation and integration of HKM into the Salzgitter Group.
As part of reorganization efforts, new leadership includes Andreas Betsler as chief financial officer and spokesperson for the management board; Heiko von Hagen as the new managing director of production; and Martin Zappe as managing director for sustainability and new construction projects at HKM. La-Toya Müller, the head of post-merger integration, will help ensure a smooth integration of HKM into the Salzgitter Group.
Peter Biele, HKM’s chief technology officer, will leave the company while Carsten Laakmann, director of labor affairs and managing director of human resources, will continue to serve the executive team.
“Peter Biele led HKM with great dedication and a high level of professional expertise during challenging times, providing important impetus for the company’s further development. We are very grateful to him for his valuable contributions,” said Gunnar Groebler, chief executive officer of the Salzgitter Group.
“At the same time, by restructuring HKM’s management team, we are laying the groundwork to successfully shape and design the upcoming challenges of transformation in the steel industry and to leverage the opportunities that arise,” Groebler continued.
As part of reorganization efforts, new leadership includes Andreas Betsler as chief financial officer and spokesperson for the management board; Heiko von Hagen as the new managing director of production; and Martin Zappe as managing director for sustainability and new construction projects at HKM. La-Toya Müller, the head of post-merger integration, will help ensure a smooth integration of HKM into the Salzgitter Group.
Peter Biele, HKM’s chief technology officer, will leave the company while Carsten Laakmann, director of labor affairs and managing director of human resources, will continue to serve the executive team.
“Peter Biele led HKM with great dedication and a high level of professional expertise during challenging times, providing important impetus for the company’s further development. We are very grateful to him for his valuable contributions,” said Gunnar Groebler, chief executive officer of the Salzgitter Group.
“At the same time, by restructuring HKM’s management team, we are laying the groundwork to successfully shape and design the upcoming challenges of transformation in the steel industry and to leverage the opportunities that arise,” Groebler continued.
