Düsseldorf. The VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut (BFI) has a new top management: Michael Hensmann (58) and Dr. Matthias Kozariszczuk (51) are the new managing directors of the almost 100-strong Düsseldorf research institute for iron and steel. The two engineers jointly succeed Dr. Matthias Seiler, who has left the company.
“We are looking forward to leading BFI into the future together in these challenging times,” says Michael Hensmann. “We are convinced that BFI research is indispensable for CO₂ neutrality, circular economy and digitalization of the steel industry,” Matthias Kozariszczuk agrees. The Steel Institute VDEh as shareholder is also convinced of the internal solution. VDEh Managing Director and Chairwoman of the BFI Board of Directors Dr. Stefanie Brockmann: “The new dual leadership with engineers from our own company who are also used to working in business administration is the ideal solution for us.”
Hensmann and Kozariszczuk know the work and structures of BFI best: they have been working for the steel industry in the fields of “decarbonization” and “circular economy” for 32 and 21 years respectively. In addition to the institute’s management, they will continue to contribute their expertise. “The combination of research and business management is nothing new for us,” explains Hens-mann. “Certainly, the new larger framework represents a challenge – but a very exciting one that we are looking forward to together with our employees,” adds Kozariszczuk.
Michael Hensmann studied at the University of Dortmund, Matthias Kozaris-zczuk studied and earned his doctorate at the Technical University of Berlin.