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People

Sachin Nijhawan has been appointed as the new CEO of thyssenkrupp nucera US, and Juergen Grasinger was named Chief Operating Officer to advance the company’s international growth strategy and expand its global leadership in the manufacturing and supply of hydrogen production technology. Based out of the thyssenkrupp’s Houston office, Nijhawan will be responsible for the business activities of the US operations.

Commenting on the appointment, thyssenkrupp nucera CEO Werner Ponikwar, said; “Sachin brings to our US team the right blend of expertise and commercial relationships to advance our international growth strategy and continue our market leadership in the large and growing hydrogen market.”

Grasinger’s expanded role as COO will see him ensure continuity across all operations and processes to meet the needs of thyssenkrupp’s blue-chip customers and large-scale clean energy projects. Ponikwar added: “Together, Sachin and Juergen have the full support and resources of thyssenkrupp nucera and its advisory board, and we are excited for the path forward as we jointly collaborate to unlock the huge market potential for driving towards decarbonisation and climate neutrality.”

The Methanol Institute (MI) has announced the appointment of a new team to lead its European operations from its Brussels office. Effective immediately, the team will be spearheaded by Tim Eestermans as Managing Director Europe, Dr. Richard Burchill as Director for Research Strategy & Knowledge Exchange Europe, and Rik Servals as Director for Government Affairs & Institutional Strategy Europe. Their primary focus will be on strengthening MI’s engagement with European Union institutions and managing MI’s relationship with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Notably, MI has recently achieved Consultative Status with the IMO, marking a significant milestone for the organization.

Eestermans is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in governmental and corporate settings across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Burchill is an expert in international and EU law, with nearly 30 years of experience in navigating international organizations, including the UN system. Servais offers over 20 years of specialised knowledge in EU government relations, having worked at the heart of EU decision-making in Brussels. Gregory Dolan, CEO of the Methanol Institute, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the new leadership team for our Brussels office. Their extensive experience and deep expertise will be invaluable as we continue to foster critical relationships within the European Union and the International Maritime

Organisation. Their leadership marks a new chapter for MI, and we are confident that their combined skills will drive our mission forward with renewed vigour.”

Ben Iosefa, Methanex executive and chair of the MI Board of Directors, said: ‘’The European Union plays a pivotal role in shaping regulatory and policy frameworks that impact the global methanol industry. Our new team in Brussels is uniquely positioned to enhance our engagement with EU institutions and advocate for policies that support our mission. Their collective expertise will be instrumental in navigating the complex European landscape and advancing our strategic objectives. With our growing membership of 100 global entities, this leadership team will be instrumental in driving our continued growth and amplifying our impact.’’

Topsoe CEO Roeland Baan has been recognised for his leadership of efforts to steer dramatic technological advances in how we can efficiently produce clean hydrogen and other next-generation fuels by being named one of the 50 executives on Forbes’ Sustainability Leaders List, which highlights “those audaciously driving the innovative and scalable solutions the world needs”. Since joining Topsoe as President and CEO in 2020, Baan has led the company’s nearly 3,000 employees across a dozen countries in rewriting the future of clean fuels production.