Dr. Sebastian C. Schulte

I believe the future of industry will be defined by courage, curiosity, clarity, and the ability to transform—while staying deeply rooted in engineering excellence and people. As a C-level leader, I focus on shaping companies for long-term relevance in a world of accelerating change. My work centers on transformation, growth, and value creation: rethinking business models, strengthening performance, and building organizations that are resilient, innovative, and trusted by their stakeholders. Since 2022, I have served as Group CEO of DEUTZ, after joining the company as Group CFO in 2021. Together with strong teams, we are evolving a historic industrial company for the next era—combining operational excellence with strategic renewal and a clear ambition for sustainable impact. Prior to DEUTZ, I spent 12 years at thyssenkrupp in senior finance leadership roles across global, highly complex businesses. I have led through turnaround situations, structural change, and geopolitical complexity—from the Brazilian steel operations in Rio de Janeiro to the Marine Systems segment in Kiel and Hamburg. These experiences shaped my conviction that transformation succeeds only when strategy, execution, and culture move in unison. My leadership is guided by a simple belief: lasting performance is built on integrity, trust, transparency, truth, tenacity, and teamwork. I am deeply committed to developing leaders, empowering teams, and creating environments where ambition is matched by accountability. Sport has been a lifelong teacher. As a former World Champion and Olympian in rowing, and today an endurance athlete across running, cycling, and the mountains, I have learned that progress is never linear—and that the most meaningful results come from persistence, resilience, and shared purpose.