3rd June 2024

Change in leadership team at Paul Wurth S.A.

SMS group is pleased to announce the appointment of Frank Wagener as the new Managing Director and Paul Tockert as Technical Director of Paul Wurth S.A., effective immediately. They will be succeeding André Schneider, who has expressed his wish to leave the company to seek new professional challenges as of 1st June.

During his tenure in SMS group, André Schneider has held several key positions including Executive Vice-President of Forging Products, CEO of Region CIS, and following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, CEO the Region Europe as well as the role of CEO of Paul Wurth S.A.

“André Schneider has been instrumental in leading our organization through significant challenges and changes. I feel grateful for his dedicated service and for his significant contributions to the strategic realignment of both the Region Europe and Paul Wurth”, says Jochen Burg, CEO of SMS group.

Frank Wagener brings to the role nearly two decades of experience within the company, most recently serving as the Chief Administrative and Financial Officer of Paul Wurth since 2011, and as CFO Region Europe of SMS group since 2021. His profound financial expertise and comprehensive experience are expected to be pivotal in propelling the company forward under the new management structure.

Paul Tockert has been an integral part of Paul Wurth since joining in 2002 and has occupied various central positions within the group. Notably, he has overseen the global Implementation department and, since January 2024, he is serving as the Executive Vice President Metallurgy of SMS group, as well as a member of Paul Wurth’s local management team. His extensive expertise in technology and project management will undoubtedly contribute to the company’s continued innovation and success.

SMS group is confident that the new leadership duo of Mr. Wagener and Mr. Tockert will propel the company’s growth and reinforce SMS group’s commitment to its mission of #turningmetalsgreen. We look forward to this new chapter in Paul Wurth’s history.