Industrieverband Feuerverzinken: New managing director

To ensure a smooth transition as the new Managing Director of the Industrieverband Feuerverzinken, Tobias Schäfer will join the association as Managing Director on May 1, 2025. During a two-month transition phase, he will work closely with Sebastian Engelskirchen, who will devote himself to new tasks outside the association landscape. Martin Kopf, Chairman of the Board of the Industrieverband Feuerverzinken, welcomes the swift and excellent appointment of a new Managing Director and looks forward to working with Tobias Schäfer with confidence. He explained: "The Management Board is looking forward to working with Tobias Schäfer. We are gaining a leader who will further expand our association's work at all levels and represent our industry in a future-oriented manner." Martin Kopf emphasizes: "We are convinced that Schäfer will help us achieve our goals and sharpen our association activities." At the same time, he regrets the departure of Sebastian Engelskirchen and acknowledges his achievements: "We greatly appreciate the valuable work of Sebastian Engelskirchen. Since 2021, he has successfully led the association together with Mark Huckshold in challenging times and made a significant contribution to significant membership growth. His departure is on the best of terms - this is also reflected in the planned transition period, which ensures an efficient handover of office to Mr. Schäfer."

New Managing Director Tobias Schäfer with industry and association experience

Tobias Schäfer, currently Director - EU Policy at the European General Galvanizers Association, has in-depth industry and association experience thanks to his many years at the WirtschaftsVereinigung Metalle. "It is very important to me to convince key contacts in politics and business as well as users even more strongly of hot-dip galvanized steel, the most sustainable corrosion protection on the market," emphasizes Schäfer. "Together with the entire team, I will continue on the course we have set and strengthen the voice of our industry at all levels. Our members are always the focus of our work." Sebastian Engelskirchen, outgoing Managing Director, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity that the position of Managing Director has given him and thanked his colleagues for the work they have done and the trust they have placed in him. "I can look back on a successful time at the Industrieverband Feuerverzinken and would like to express my sincere thanks for the trust placed in me by the Board and the members. I am now looking forward to a new professional challenge and wish the association and my colleagues all the best and Tobias Schäfer a good start and every success in his new role."