The Supervisory Board of Salzgitter AG elected Ulrike Brouzi as its new Chairwoman during its ordinary meeting on March 19, 2026, with her term beginning immediately. Brouzi, a graduate in Business Mathematics, has served on the Salzgitter AG Supervisory Board since May 23, 2013 and holds a position responsible for finance and compliance on the Board of Managing Directors of DZ BANK AG in Frankfurt. This appointment matters because it places a seasoned financial expert with deep institutional knowledge at the helm of the supervisory body overseeing one of Germany's major steel producers, ensuring continuity and strategic oversight during a period of significant transformation for the industry.
Lower Saxony's Finance Minister Gerald Heere, a member of the Supervisory Board and representative of the main shareholder, the State of Lower Saxony, expressed strong support for the decision. Heere stated that Brouzi is a proven financial expert who has supported the Salzgitter Group for many years through her Supervisory Board mandate. He emphasized her strong commitment to shaping the company's course in recent years, her familiarity with relevant processes and structures, and her understanding of the Group's strategic direction, making her an excellent choice for the leadership role. The appointment signals confidence in internal expertise and a focus on stable, informed governance as the company navigates challenges like decarbonization and market volatility.
The transition follows Heinz-Gerhard Wente stepping down from the position. Prof. Dr. Hans-Jurgen Urban served as Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board on an interim basis during this period. Finance Minister Heere extended thanks on behalf of both the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board of Salzgitter AG for Urban's great commitment during the transitional phase. This orderly succession underscores the importance of stable supervisory leadership for corporate governance, particularly for a company with significant state ownership. The role of the Supervisory Board chair is crucial for setting agendas, facilitating board effectiveness, and representing shareholder interests, especially for a major industrial player like Salzgitter AG. For further details, the original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
Brouzi's election carries implications for Salzgitter AG's strategic trajectory, particularly its ambitious SALCOS® program aimed at green steel production. Her financial and compliance background from DZ BANK AG is expected to provide rigorous oversight for the capital-intensive transition to low-carbon technologies. As Chairwoman, she will lead the Supervisory Board in monitoring management's execution of this strategy, balancing innovation with financial discipline. For a company integral to Germany's industrial base, strong supervisory leadership is vital to maintain investor confidence and secure funding for its transformation, impacting not only the firm but also the regional economy and the broader European steel sector's competitiveness.
