ESTEP appoints Wim Van der Stricht as new Secretary General

The European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP) has appointed Dr Wim Van der Stricht as its new Secretary General. He assumes the role of Acting Secretary General with immediate effect and will officially take over the position on August 1, 2026.

Van der Stricht succeeds Dr Klaus Peters, who has led ESTEP since 2015 and played a key role in strengthening the platform's position as a central hub for steel research and innovation in Europe.

Strong focus on low-carbon steelmaking

Van der Stricht joins ESTEP from ArcelorMittal, where he most recently served as Corporate CTO Technology Strategy for CO2 and Circular Economy. In this role, he was involved in the development of collaborative projects and partnerships aimed at supporting the decarbonization of the steel industry.

His experience spans more than 25 years in industrial research, technology strategy and innovation, with a particular focus on low-carbon steelmaking, circular economy initiatives and European research programmes.

Throughout his career, he has worked closely with industrial companies, research organizations and European institutions and has been involved in securing European and national funding for major technology projects.

Focus on Clean Steel Partnership

As Secretary General, Van der Stricht will oversee ESTEP's daily operations, coordinate research priorities and strengthen cooperation between industry stakeholders and European institutions.

A key element of his mandate will be supporting the implementation of the Clean Steel Partnership and contributing to discussions on a potential successor framework, the proposed Clean Steel and Metals Partnership, from 2028 onwards. He will also help shape future European research and innovation programmes relevant to the steel sector.

ESTEP President Annika Roos described Van der Stricht as bringing "an exceptional combination of technical expertise, strategic vision and deep knowledge of European research and innovation" at a crucial time for the industry.

Van der Stricht said innovation and collaboration would be essential to achieving competitive low-carbon steelmaking in Europe and expressed his intention to work closely with members and partners to help develop the next generation of steel technologies.

Founded in 2004, ESTEP brings together steel producers, research institutes, universities, technology suppliers and public authorities to promote collaborative innovation and support the development of technologies for the European steel industry.

Source and Photo: ESTEP