Roland Hovestadt

Q: Where is Roland based?

Roland is based in Karlsruhe, Germany and can operate in on-site , hybrid , and remote work models.

Q: What languages does Roland speak?

Roland speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Spanish (Intermediate), French (Intermediate), Japanese (Intermediate) .

Q: How many years of experience does Roland have?

Roland has at least 26 years of experience. During this time, Roland has worked in at least 16 different roles and for 16 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 8 months . Note that Roland may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Roland's latest experience?

Roland's most recent position is CEO at SOEX-Gruppe (& I:CO) .

Q: What companies has Roland worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Roland has worked for SOEX-Gruppe (& I:CO) , Willersinn Gruppe , and WHG Rahn GmbH .

Q: Which industries is Roland most experienced in?

Roland is most experienced in industries like Metals and Mining , Manufacturing , and Construction . Roland also has some experience in Fashion , Transportation , and Aerospace and Defense .

Q: Which business areas is Roland most experienced in?

Roland is most experienced in business areas like Operations , Supply Chain Management , and Strategy . Roland also has some experience in Production , Project Management , and Procurement .

Q: Which industries has Roland worked in recently?

Roland has recently worked in industries like Construction , Fashion , and Transportation .

Q: Which business areas has Roland worked in recently?

Roland has recently worked in business areas like Operations , Human Resources , and Information Technology .

Recommended expert

Karlsruhe, Germany

Check rate

Experience

Oct 2023 - May 2024

8 months

CEO

SOEX-Gruppe (& I:CO)

Got a misdirected turnaround back on track
Created positive momentum by motivating and inspiring employees in this difficult phase and encouraging continuous engagement
Worked out a solid strategy concept and developed a 5-year roadmap from it
Fully digitalized collection logistics processes with AI support, optimizing operations and boosting efficiency significantly
Designed a complex technical concept for an automated, AI-driven textile sorting system at industrial scale
Implemented efficient structures and set up clear communication channels, improving team coordination and clarifying responsibilities
Strategically developed and successfully implemented a dynamic sales structure that, through proactive leadership and targeted talent development, boosted sales momentum and employee motivation
Built tailored concepts for international retailers, fashion brands, manufacturers and wholesalers (pre-/post-consumer textiles) as a core part of the new strategic direction
Initiated and maintained industry-research partnerships to advance the shared goal of "Circularity in Textiles" with expert knowledge
Focused on reducing investment backlog by modernizing and optimizing machinery and plant technology, which led to a significant increase in operational productivity

Mar 2023 - Sep 2023

7 months

Head of National and International Hazardous Waste Disposal

Willersinn Gruppe

Simplified and set up processes and structures for greater flexibility, efficiency, and productivity while maintaining a solution-focused customer approach
Optimized and modernized machinery and plant technology as needed
Conducted comprehensive employee training and team-building activities to meet growing demands and revenues with greater flexibility and strong staff know-how

Apr 2019 - Feb 2023

3 years 11 months

Managing Director

WHG Rahn GmbH

Restructuring: developed and implemented a roadmap with clear goals for structural, digital, and personnel transformation, focusing on uncompromising quality and investing in employees
Consistently implemented internal structures and processes aiming at higher labor and cost efficiency and productivity
Put strong emphasis on employee development: seminars, workshops, and individual coaching
Implemented comprehensive ERP software solution including setup and training to fully digitally support all processes
Installed BIM-capable software for planning services and construction support designs
Used social media strategically as a tool for talent development, employee retention, and company branding
Built a broad network to strengthen and advance market positioning and establish a strategic business partner network to capture various synergies and competencies
1st place in the HWK state competition "Azubi Innovativ"
Successfully started prefabrication of shaft and corridor cabinets using BIM
2020 M&A: acquired a climate and refrigeration technology company as an ideal complement to the portfolio

Aug 2018 - Mar 2019

8 months

Site Manager, Airbus Kit Factory

DB Schenker/Airbus Hamburg

Significantly increased productivity and efficiency by fundamentally optimizing the layout and implementing an integrated MDT/IT solution
Led comprehensive test runs and training programs during the rollout, contributing to improved user competence, optimized system use, and a smooth system transition

Dec 2017 - Nov 2018

1 year

Consulting Project Manager, Tool Technology

Großring-Schneid- und Trenntechnik

Technically advanced a cutting system for large rings (up to 6 m)
Designed and engineered a mobile plant concept
Created a business plan including international market analysis and sales strategy

Nov 2015 - May 2017

1 year 7 months

Sole Managing Director

SRP Saarländische Rohprodukte GmbH

Developed a viable, comprehensive turnaround plan for four locations with a clear strategy and roadmap
Analyzed the cost structure in detail to identify optimization opportunities
Built a lean, flexible sales model and integrated it into a CRM system, achieving strong customer and market engagement
Implemented Operational Excellence (LEAN and KPIs) to efficiently and sustainably achieve high quality standards with cost efficiency in production and supply chain
Introduced structured, disciplined planning and control of operational processes, increased efficiencies, and reduced the existing investment backlog
Improved operating profit by €1.5 million in 2016
Developed a new plant concept to increase value-added depth
Acquired and integrated niche providers as an ideal complement to the service and product portfolio

Feb 2015 - Jun 2015

5 months

Project Manager for Copper Semi-Finished Products and Electrotechnical Products

Halbzeug-Industrie

Implemented standardization and automation of complex welding processes to optimize overall production

Jun 2014 - Oct 2015

1 year 5 months

Consulting Project Manager for Site Concepts

Recycling Industrie International

Designed process- and cost-optimized production layouts in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Poland, considering environmental regulations and energy efficiency
Identified and realized value creation potentials in plant and process technology
Reduced operating costs by up to 23%

Mar 2014 - Aug 2014

6 months

Project Manager

Metall- und Rohstoffhandel Monaco

Developed a sustainable production and sales concept to expand the value chain in international B2B trading
Developed a business plan aiming for revenue increases of €10 million in the first fiscal year and €25 million in the second
Defined M&A targets, conducted market and potential analysis, and created and coordinated a due diligence checklist

Nov 2013 - Oct 2015

2 years

Mill Services Test Melt Monitoring

Rohstoffindustrie International

Supervised and evaluated test melts in steel mills and foundries in Germany, Belgium, Spain, Finland, and the UK

Oct 2013 - Oct 2015

2 years 1 month

International Supply Chain Consultant

Edelstahlwerke International

Optimized raw material management at European and Indian steelworks and foundries
Supported and further developed quality inspection
Defined quality parameters and created supplier matrices
Conducted staff training in operational management

Dec 2011 - Mar 2013

1 year 4 months

Management Board Member

Cronimet Hispania S.A.

Set up and developed a JV with an operating plant as the company's entry into the Spanish market
Increased local production capacity utilization to over 60% in the first year

Jun 2011 - Sep 2013

2 years 4 months

Head of Business Development and Head of Technical

Cronimet Holding GmbH

Temporarily took P&L co-responsibility for 17 production sites across 12 countries and realized optimization opportunities
Reorganized and optimized the distribution of material and raw material flows from over 50 locations under defined cost and quality parameters
Built international cross-functional project teams and addressed deficits in quality and operational management
Developed and implemented a roadmap for strategic expansion in Asia
Led five M&A and JV projects worldwide, including due diligence and integration
Negotiated long-term supply contracts with an Indian steel mill (revenue > $200M/year)
Achieved turnaround of the UK subsidiary with over 100% revenue increase across 3 plants and 60 employees
Developed lifecycle concepts with OEMs (BMW, Daimler, VW, Ford)
Realized annual savings of over $10M in group-wide logistics
Led central technical developments of machines, equipment, and processes
Achieved investment savings of $8.5M over two years
Co-developed prototypes for a laser-induced sorting technology (LIPS) and the BQC quick-change system

Jun 2004 - May 2009

5 years

Managing Director and COO

JSP (Japanese Stainless Processing)

Took operational and commercial responsibility for three plants and ensured the highest quality standards worldwide
Advised and trained the procurement team in tapping into the Japanese raw materials market
Expanded capacity and achieved continuous revenue growth of the JV to over $600M
Oversaw start-ups of three production sites in Japan

Jan 1999 - May 2011

12 years 5 months

Head of Special Projects - Business Turnaround

ELG Haniel Metals, Corp.

Led the business turnaround of a loss-making US division with nine production sites, achieving an operating profit of $20-40M
Reorganized buying and selling structures to improve efficiency and market presence
Led final negotiations for supply contracts with steel mills in North America and Asia
Managed M&A projects from target valuation and due diligence to post-merger integration
Continuously applied LEAN, Kaizen, and 5S methods
Successfully settled quality and contract disputes worth $16M
Implemented energy efficiency measures and achieved 35% savings

Oct 1997 - Dec 1998

1 year 3 months

Head of Special Projects

ELG Haniel GmbH

Initiated and led R&D projects with industry partners: implemented modifications to technical machines and plants for improved maintainability, durability, productivity, and energy efficiency
Designed and planned the layout and construction of new production facilities in Europe and the USA
Conceptualized and set up the largest raw material processing and port terminal for stainless steel (600,000 t/year) in Rotterdam, NL
Contributed to the scientific development of a mobile metal analysis device

Industry Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Metals and Mining, Manufacturing, Construction, Fashion, Transportation, and Utilities.

Metals and Mining

Manufacturing

Construction

Fashion

Transportation

Utilities

Business Area Experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Strategy, Production, Project Management, and Procurement.

Operations

Supply Chain Management

Strategy

Production

Project Management

Procurement

Summary

Management of production, technology, and sales across the value and circular chain from raw materials/process industry, through steel/metal industry to recycling and related special machinery and plant engineering
Responsible for profitable development and transformation of global business activities in manufacturing companies in the steel, automotive, and aerospace industries
Developing and implementing strategies and business concepts for sustainability, e.g. in the recycling, automotive, aerospace, and construction industries
International sales leadership and full profit and loss responsibility in the raw materials and metal industry with close contact to steel mills and foundries
Operational management of international production sites with P&L accountability for revenues over $600M under strict productivity, cost efficiency, and quality parameters
Proven international success in operational excellence in the context of restructurings, business turnarounds, and the setup and expansion of subsidiaries, including long-term assignments in the USA and Japan
Strong technical and sales expertise combined with creativity in strategically building and expanding global markets through strong customer focus and targeted, innovative product and process development

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Spanish

Intermediate

French

Intermediate

Japanese

Intermediate

Education

Oct 1990 - May 1997

RWTH Aachen

Diploma in Materials Science and Engineering · Metallurgy & Materials Engineering · Aachen, Germany

Aug 1988 - May 1990

Degussa AG und IHK

Vocational training as Industrial Clerk · Industrial Clerk · Frankfurt, Germany

Jul 1986 - Jun 1988

Bundeswehr, Z2 Fachschule des Heeres für Technik

Explosive ordnance disposal · Aachen, Germany

...and 1 more

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 16

Experience in Metals and Mining 18 y

Avg length 2 y 3 m

Longest experience 12 y 4 m

Expertise

Recent roles CEO, Head of National and International Hazardous Waste Disposal, Managing Director

Main industries Metals and Mining, Manufacturing, Construction

Main business areas Operations, Supply Chain Management, Strategy

Qualifications

Highest degree Master

Profile

Created

February 2025

Last Update

May 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Have questions? Find more information here.

Where is Roland based?

Roland is based in Karlsruhe, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

What languages does Roland speak?

Roland speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Spanish (Intermediate), French (Intermediate), Japanese (Intermediate).

How many years of experience does Roland have?

Roland has at least 26 years of experience. During this time, Roland has worked in at least 16 different roles and for 16 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 8 months. Note that Roland may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Roland be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Roland would be well-suited for roles such as: CEO, Head of National and International Hazardous Waste Disposal, Managing Director.

What is Roland's latest experience?

Roland's most recent position is CEO at SOEX-Gruppe (& I:CO).

What companies has Roland worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Roland has worked for SOEX-Gruppe (& I:CO), Willersinn Gruppe, and WHG Rahn GmbH.

Which industries is Roland most experienced in?

Roland is most experienced in industries like Metals and Mining, Manufacturing, and Construction. Roland also has some experience in Fashion, Transportation, and Aerospace and Defense.

Which business areas is Roland most experienced in?

Roland is most experienced in business areas like Operations, Supply Chain Management, and Strategy. Roland also has some experience in Production, Project Management, and Procurement.

Which industries has Roland worked in recently?

Roland has recently worked in industries like Construction, Fashion, and Transportation.

Which business areas has Roland worked in recently?

Roland has recently worked in business areas like Operations, Human Resources, and Information Technology.

What is Roland's education?

Roland holds a Master in Metallurgy & Materials Engineering from RWTH Aachen.

What is the availability of Roland?

Roland will be available full-time from June 2026.

What is the rate of Roland?

Roland's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.