Salzgitter appoints Christoph Martin as CFO to succeed Birgit Potrafki

Salzgitter AG has appointed Christoph Martin as its new Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Birgit Potrafki, who will leave the German steel group after deciding not to renew her contract.

Martin will take over as CFO on October 1, 2026. Potrafki, whose contract runs until January 31, 2027, will remain with the company during a transition period to hand over her responsibilities.

Martin has served on the management boards of Salzgitter Mannesmann Handel GmbH and Salzgitter Mannesmann International GmbH since January 2025. He began his career in production controlling for the metallurgy division at thyssenkrupp Steel Europe and subsequently held several positions in controlling and finance.

Focus on financial strategy and P28 programme

Salzgitter Supervisory Board Chair Ulrike Brouzi said Martin's experience in finance and controlling would support the continuation of the group's financial strategy.

Potrafki joined Salzgitter's Management Board in February 2024. During her tenure, she was closely involved in implementing the group's P28 earnings improvement programme, developing its financing, IT and financial structures, and Salzgitter's inclusion in Germany's MDAX stock index.

CEO Gunnar Groebler said Martin would continue to advance the P28 programme and build on Potrafki's work.

Martin studied economics at the University of Duisburg-Essen and holds a Master of Laws from the JurGrad School of Tax and Business Law at the University of Münster.

Source and Photo: Salzgitter AG