LESS organization appoints Dr. Carmen Ostwald as new Secretary General

LESS aisbl, the organization behind the Low Emission Steel Standard, has announced the appointment of Dr. Carmen Ostwald as its new Secretary General. Dr. Ostwald brings extensive experience in the European steel industry and a strong network within the sector, positioning her to lead the organization through its next phase of development.

Dr. Ostwald succeeds Dr. Martin Theuringer, who has played a key role in establishing LESS as a recognized framework for defining and promoting low-emission steel in Europe. Under his leadership, the standard gained significant traction across the continent and built a growing membership base.

Gunnar Groebler, Chairman of LESS aisbl, thanked Theuringer for his contributions and welcomed Ostwald to her new role:
“First, I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Dr. Martin Theuringer for his tireless commitment to LESS over the past years. From developing and introducing the Low Emission Steel Standard to achieving its recognition as an internationally respected benchmark with a growing European membership, Mr. Theuringer's dedication and leadership have played a significant role in the setup of LESS.
At the same time, I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Carmen Ostwald as Secretary General. With her in-depth understanding of the European steel industry and her strong reputation and connections, she is the ideal person to advance the Low Emission Steel Standard. Under her leadership, we are confident that LESS will consolidate its position as the clean steel benchmark in Europe. I wish her every success in this role.”

In her first statement as Secretary General, Ostwald emphasized the importance of credible standards for enabling market transformation:
“I am honored to take on this exciting role as Secretary General of LESS aisbl and to promote sustainable innovation in the steel industry. Turning clean steel made in Europe into reality requires a reliable and transparent standard. I am committed to strengthening the recognition of LESS among steel producers, consumer sectors, and policymakers. Together, we will lay the foundation for lead markets for low-emission steel.”

Outgoing Secretary General Theuringer also expressed support for the transition, highlighting the collective efforts that laid the groundwork for the organization’s success:
"At the German Steel Association, we have worked tirelessly with our member companies over the past few years to get the Low Emission Steel Standard off the ground, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to all colleagues involved. I am now delighted that the next steps towards Europeanization are being taken. Carmen Ostwald is exactly the right person for this task, and I wish her every success and all the best."

As Secretary General, Dr. Ostwald will be responsible for implementing the strategic goals of LESS aisbl, expanding its membership, and fostering engagement with industry stakeholders, public authorities, and standardisation bodies. A key objective is to establish LESS as a trusted benchmark in both public and private procurement, providing clarity for customers seeking verified low-emission steel.

Source and Photo: LESS