H-TEC SYSTEMS strengthens its executive board through the addition of Markus Weber as the new CFO

H-TEC SYSTEMS strengthened its senior management team through the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Since the beginning of 2024, Markus Weber has taken over the position from Frank Zimmermann who left the company at his own request. Weber has thus become a member of the current management team comprising Robin von Plettenberg (CEO and CSO), Marius Zasche (CTO), Michael Meister (COO), Sophie Kostka (EVP People & Culture) and Dr. Dominik Heiß (EVP Strategy & Product).

With Markus Weber, a very experienced financial expert is taking on the role of CFO in the H-TEC executive board team. In this role, his responsibilities include the areas of Accounting, Controlling, Corporate Finance, IT, Business Processes/SAP, Legal Affairs as well as People & Culture. During the course of his more than 20-year career, Weber has held various finance management positions at well-known companies.

Weber can look back on a career providing extensive experience with internationally active or listed large companies and has the corresponding capital market expertise. Prior to joining H-TEC SYSTEMS the business economist graduate held a position at the listed JENOPTIK AG where he was most recently responsible for all finance department activities in his position as Executive Vice President Controlling & Accounting. Before this, he was Vice President of the Industrial Division at the Würzburg printing press manufacturer, Koenig & Bauer, and was in charge of Controlling, Purchasing, Human Resources and Buildings/Real Estate. Other professional positions include those at elumatec AG and the VOITH Group where he started his professional career and successfully held a number of management positions which also involved postings to Italy and China.

“H-TEC SYSTEMS is a rapidly growing company in such an important area of the renewable energy sector, both for Germany as its prime location as well as for the international market. I´m pleased to have the opportunity to work in this highly dynamic environment and, in this context, I would particularly like to ensure that the necessary business framework conditions are in place,” explained Markus Weber.

“With his wealth of experience gained during his time working in large international companies, Markus Weber is the ideal replacement for the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). His extensive experience in transformative and dynamic work environments will greatly benefit the international growth of H-TEC SYSTEMS. We are looking forward very much to working together.” said Robin von Plettenberg, CEO at H-TEC SYSTEMS.

FET appoints new lead to grow its energy transition portfolio

Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has appointed its first ever energy transition business development manager within its subsea business, reinforcing the company’s commitment to helping operators achieve greater carbon emission improvements.

Martin Thomson, who will be based at the company’s Aberdeen office, brings with him a wealth of experience in both the subsea and offshore wind sectors as the firm seeks to bolster its influence in the market. Martin has previously held senior sales positions at Subsea7, GE Oil & Gas, KCA Deutag and Oerlikon Surface Solutions. He joins FET from Dril-Quip where he was director of sales – Europe and Africa.

His appointment marks an exciting milestone for FET as it intensifies its commitment to supporting the transition of the energy landscape, particularly in offshore wind energy. Martin will report directly to FET’s Houston headquarters.

Ivo Bozukov, FET Vice President of Dynacon & Energy Transition, Subsea Division, said: “With his extensive background and leadership acumen, Martin will be instrumental in fortifying our efforts to amplify our footprint in the offshore wind sector. His strategic vision and dynamic approach will play a pivotal role in harnessing our capabilities to align with the burgeoning demand for renewable energy solutions.

“Martin's deep understanding of the complexities and nuances within the renewable energy sphere, especially offshore wind projects, positions him perfectly to lead the charge in steering our endeavours towards sustainable energy practices. His proficiency in fostering impactful relationships, coupled with his innovative mindset, will be invaluable assets as we navigate the evolving landscape of energy transition.”

FET has a long history of delivering safe, reliable and cost-efficient innovative technology, with its products and solutions helping organisations to reduce their carbon emissions. Within the energy transition, FET also works with offshore fixed wind and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects and provides enhanced solutions to new energy markets, including geothermal, floating offshore wind, solar, and long-term energy storage.

Martin said, “I am excited to be joining FET at what is a crucial period for the company as it ramps up its business in the offshore wind sector alongside wider expansion within the organisation. I have long admired FET from afar and I am motivated by the opportunity to drive growth and strengthen FET’s position within the emerging energy transition sector of our industry.”  

Within the subsea industry, FET’s extensive product line focuses on remote intervention technology, from subsea trenchers to tooling and individual components such as thrusters. Its Perry® and Sub-Atlantic® range of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), tether management systems, tooling and components is one of most comprehensive and highly rated in the industry. FET’s Dynacon brand range focuses on Launch And Recovery Systems (LARS) for ROVs, Hydrographic Winches and specialized engineered equipment serving the offshore wind industry as well as more traditional energy specifications.

Louis-François RICHARD appointed President of the Air Liquide Foundation, supervising Access Oxygen

Louis-François Richard has been appointed President of the Air Liquide Foundation. In addition, Louis-François will supervise the Group’s “Access Oxygen” activities.

Louis-François Richard brings 30 years of experience, having held several responsibilities within Air Liquide, notably in the healthcare sector, as Vice President of the medical gases activities in Europe, or as General Manager of the Home Healthcare subsidiary Orkyn, in France. Louis-François was also CEO of Air Liquide France Industries, the entity that includes Large Industries, Industrial Merchant and Electronics activities in France. In addition, he held several transversal functions at the corporate level, in particular that of Group Operations Control Vice President.

His wide background and previous experience within the Group, as well as his personal commitment and motivation to address societal challenges, will be equally valuable in this new role.

Founded in 2008, the Air Liquide Foundation acts on major societal issues, leveraging Air Liquide’s expertise and geographic footprint. Over the past 15 years, the Air Liquide Foundation has supported more than 500 projects in 50 countries, focusing on three key areas: fundamental medical and environmental research, professional integration, and solidarity. Through its experience, flexibility and upstream intervention, it complements public action and is a source of pride and engagement for our employees.

In order to address another societal challenge, Air Liquide launched its « Access Oxygen » program in 2017, with the objective to facilitate access to medical oxygen in low- and middle income countries. Today, this solution has given access to more than two million people in Senegal, South Africa and Kenya.