Thyssenkrupp Materials Services: Dr. Wijdekop new CEO of Processing business unit

Thyssenkrupp Materials Services has appointed Dr. Heather Wijdekop as Chief Executive Officer of its Business Unit Processing, effective July 1, 2025. In addition to this role, Dr. Wijdekop will also assume leadership of the Operating Unit Processing North America. She succeeds Norbert Goertz, who will continue with the company as interim Chief Financial Officer of the Business Unit Solutions and Head of Corporate Functions at thyssenkrupp Materials North America in Southfield, Michigan.

The appointment reflects thyssenkrupp Materials Services’ ongoing commitment to growth and innovation within its materials processing operations, particularly in the strategically important North American market.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Heather Wijdekop to our Executive Leadership Team,” said Ilse Henne, CEO of thyssenkrupp Materials Services. “Her deep industry expertise, customer orientation, and international leadership experience will be instrumental as we continue to execute our ‘Materials as a Service’ strategy and explore further growth opportunities. At the same time, I want to thank Norbert Goertz for his valuable leadership and ongoing contributions to our strategic development in North America.”

Dr. Wijdekop brings more than 20 years of global experience in the steel and processing industries. She has held senior roles at Tata Steel Europe and the Corus Group, focusing on commercial strategy, sales, marketing, and supply chain optimization. Most recently, she served as Director Commercial at the Tata Steel IJmuiden Business Unit in the Netherlands, where she played a key role in expanding the product and service portfolio and driving revenue growth. Dr. Wijdekop holds an Engineering Doctorate in Materials Engineering.

Strategic focus on North America

North America continues to be a priority region for thyssenkrupp Materials Services, accounting for 70% of the company’s total growth investments over the past five years. In recent months, the company has expanded its presence through major facility openings in Mexico and Texas, as well as investments in advanced processing capabilities.

The Business Unit Processing, operating across Europe and North America, specializes in the customized processing of flat-rolled metals, including slitting, blanking, and supply chain management services tailored to meet customer-specific production needs. Key customer industries include automotive manufacturing, where high standards of quality and reliability are essential.

Source and Photo: Thyssenkrupp