Former Economics Minister Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) was elected to head the supervisory board of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, Thyssenkrupp's steel subsidiary.
The group announced on Thursday that the former SPD chairman had been appointed to the supervisory body of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe as a shareholder representative and had been elected the new chairman at the constituent meeting.
Elke Eller, the former Head of Human Resources at TUI, is also a new face on the board.
"In the coming months and years, groundbreaking decisions with economic, industrial policy and environmental relevance are pending," says Gabriel.
According to the 62-year-old, steel is the best industry to convincingly show that economic success and sustainability are brought together in climate policy in Germany.
It is uncertain what the future of the steel company with its around 27,000 employees will look like.
Thyssenkrupp boss Martina Merz recently announced that she would postpone the company's plans to become independent for the time being.
In view of the Ukraine war, the situation is too uncertain.
The employee representatives and IG Metall are now demanding clarity from management as to what the future approach should look like.
With the switch to climate-friendly production, the steel industry is facing the biggest restructuring in its history.
However, the financing of the project, which will cost billions, is still open.
"We are still convinced that the strategy of setting up the steel business independently opens up good future prospects - even if the specific form of implementation has to remain open for the moment due to the geopolitical situation," said Merz.
For the integrity of this process, independent members should be appointed to the board who have the trust of both sides of the board.
"In Sigmar Gabriel we have gained a very competent and experienced personality for the Supervisory Board of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG."