SPEAKERS

Claus Beiersdorfer

Head of Business Development, Boll Filter, Kerpen – Germany

Claus Beiersdorfer graduated from the University of Cologne with a degree in Applied Sciences (Dipl.-Ing. (FH)) and began his career in 1996 at BOLLFILTER as a Sales Manager for filtration solutions in industrial applications. After holding various positions in sales and management, today he leads the Business Development team, driving innovation by aligning current filtration technologies with emerging market demands—particularly in future-oriented sectors like hydrogen production.

Tim Cholibois

Vice President Strategy and Business Development, Enapter, Berlin – Germany

Tim Cholibois is Vice President Strategy and Business Development at electrolyser manufacturer Enapter, the pioneer and market leader in AEM electrolysis. Previously, Tim worked as a strategy consultant in the European and North American energy sector. Tim holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Change and Management from the University of Oxford.

Richard Grzemba

Market Development Manager, ANDRITZ, Berlin – Germany

Richard Grzemba joined ANDRITZ’s Market Development & Strategy Team in 2024 with a focus on hydrogen and e-fuels.

Prior to that, he held various roles at Linde Engineering and ITM Linde Electrolysis, specializing in clean tech innovation and plant operational optimization.

He holds M.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics & Energetics, as well as an MBA.

Currently, Richard is pursuing a PhD in Hydrogen Economics, focusing on market models and transition dynamics.

Dr. Rittmar von Helmolt

CSO, FCT Sweden, Stockholm – Sweden

Rittmar is responsible for technology management at Fuel Cell Technology Sweden AB in Stockholm. He is also a founding member and managing partner of Protonik GmbH, an innovation and consulting company specializing in hydrogen.

Rittmar started his career on hydrogen and fuel cells at Siemens R&D in 1995. He then moved to General Motors, where he oversaw fuel cell development for hydrogen-powered electric vehicles. He worked on electric vehicle and urban mobility projects, including autonomous vehicles, car and ridesharing projects, and later had roles at a hydrogen aircraft start-up and at Austrian engineering services provider AVL. Rittmar studied physics at the Universities of Göttingen and Augsburg.

Dr. Thorsten Hickmann

CEO, Whitecell Eisenhuth, Osterode – Germany

Thorsten Hickmann, CEO, Whitecell.Eisenhuth GmbH and Co. KG. Eisenhuth is a leading manufacturer of electrochemical reactor components. With over 15 years of expertise in fuel cell technologies and, since 2015, in electrolyzer systems, he has driven innovations in graphite-based bipolar plates, gasket solutions, and titanium components. Under his leadership, the company has received several innovation awards and holds multiple patents in the field of electrochemical systems. His work reflects a strong commitment to engineering excellence and the development of sustainable, high-performance solutions for fuel cells and electrolyzers.

Sophia Höfling

Chief Operating Officer & Authorized Signatory (Prokuristin) ReiCat GmbH, Gelnhausen – Germany

Sophia Höfling holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Technical University of Munich, as well as an Honors Degree in Technology Management from the Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM) in Munich. Between 2015 and 2022, she played a key role in building two deep tech companies in robotics and machine learning — NavVis GmbH and Saiga GmbH — where she led the product management and customer experience departments.

In 2022, she joined ReiCat GmbH and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2024.

Sebastian Hillebrand  is a strategy consultant and moderator with a particular passion for Power-to-X. With his many years of experience in supporting complex transformation processes, he is promoting the exchange between stakeholders at the P2X conference for the third time, thus contributing to the further development of sustainable energy solutions.

Dr. Markus Kinzl

Senior Specialist Power to X, Siemens Energy, Frankfurt/M – Germany

• Studied Chemistry at the TU Darmstadt with a PhD in Chemical Engineering
• Since 1999 Siemens AG and Siemens Energy
• Project lead in development projects in the field of chemical engineering and product development for the chemical industry
• Responsible for laboratory, pilot plant and process simulation projects
• Special expertise in Power-to-X technologies with many contacts to technology providers, especially in the field of SAF and methanol production

David Krahnenfeld

Head of Wholesale & Product Marketing, Ampega Investment, Cologne– Germany

David Krahnenfeld leads the Wholesale Sales & Product Marketing division at the investment company Ampega Investment GmbH. A trained banker, he holds a degree in Economics and Law (M.A.), is certified in Applied Investment Management (DVFA), and lectures in the field of financial investments.

Artur Mähne

Global Segment Manager, Freudenberg, Weinheim – Germany

In 2010, I graduated from the University of Mannheim with a master’s degree in business administration and joined the Freudenberg Group as Sales Manager for Corteco (a subsidiary of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies).

As a Global Segment Manager with over 14 years of international experience in the automotive and energy sectors, I specialize in driving strategic growth and innovation in hydrogen technologies

Currently leading the global hydrogen technologies sub segment at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, I oversee key account management, project leadership, and business development initiatives that support the transition to clean energy.

My career has spanned roles in global business development, key account management, and regional leadership across North America, Asia Pacific and Scandinavia.

I bring a strong track record of building cross-functional partnerships, launching market-driven solutions, and managing complex projects in dynamic, multicultural environments.

Jörg-Peter Mehrer

CEO of the Mehrer Holding, Balingen – Germany

After receiving his diploma, during which he was able to gain practical experience in South Africa and the USA, among other places, Mr. Mehrer began working as a development and quality engineer at DaimlerChrysler AG. He finally joined the family business in 2008 and was appointed as production manager before taking over the company as CEO. Together with the companies Maintanio, CryonCo and Fasteninfos, Mehrer Holding was founded in 2018, of which Mr. Mehrer is still in charge today.

Peter Müller-Baum

Managing Director of VDMA Power-to-X for Applications, Frankfurt/M – Germany

Peter Müller-Baum studied civil engineering as well as business administration at the RWTH Aachen University, graduating as Engineer and Master of Business and Engineering.

He is with the VDMA since 2005 where he started as a consultant for the Cleaning Systems Association and as Managing Director Technical Affairs for the European association EUnited Cleaning.

In 2012, he became Deputy Managing Director, in 2014 Managing Director of VDMA Engines and Systems that represents the interests of German manufacturers of internal combustion engines for industrial applications and their suppliers.

Since 2013, Peter Müller-Baum is Secretary General of the International Council on Combustion Engines (CIMAC e.V.) where national associations and companies from the combustion engine industry from 27 countries are organized.

In addition, since December 2018 is Peter Müller-Baum also Managing Director of VDMA Power-to-X for Applications, the central platform for information, communication and cooperation for the P2X community, integrating all important stakeholders along the value chain.

Dr. Daniel Neumann

Principal at FEV Consulting and Head of Strategy Department at FEV energy+resources , Cologne – Germany

Dr. Daniel Neumann started his career in the chemical process industry in 2012.

In 2015 he started his PhD at RWTH Aachen University in cooperation with the FEV Group. Since 2019 he is responsible for the energy business at FEV Consulting. Since 2024, he additionally serves as the head of strategy department at FEV energy+resources.

Yutaro Oka

Deputy Department Manager, Int’l Certification & Standard Harmonization Section Planning Dept, Japan Gas Association, Tokyo – Japan

Yutaro started his career at Osaka Gas Co., Ltd,  – one of the largest gas utility company in Japan, where he has covered many various key roles in LNG industry including receiving terminal operation, shipping, Upstream LNG Joint venture project management in Australia. In 2025, he has been seconded to Japan Gas Association(JGA) and currently covers advocating role for Japanese gas industry mainly related to international policy.

Dr. Wilhelm Otten

Chief Technology Officer, curenergy GmbH, Viernheim – Germany

Dr. Wilhelm Otten studied mechanical engineering and received his doctorate in 1988 in the field of process engineering. He has over 30 years of experience in the process industry in a variety of positions at Evonik Industries. In his last position, Wilhelm Otten headed Evonik’s Global Process Development & Engineering. After leaving Evonik in 2020, he founded a consulting company and joined curenergy as CTO. Wilhelm Otten was chairman of NAMUR, is on the board of DEXPI e.V. and heads the „Interdisciplinary Committee on Digital Transformation“ at the VDI.

Adam Pabis

Sales Area Manager Droplet Separators, Lechler, Düsseldorf – Germany

I am holding a degree at the Technical University in Mechanical Engineering, Energie and Environmental Technologoies and bring more than 20 years of professional experience. Since 2002, I have been with Lechler GmbH, where I specialiize in droplet separators in all applications in the more than 100 industries.

Dr. Klaus Payrhuber

Strategic Product Development Manager, INNIO Jenbacher – Austria

Dr. Klaus Payrhuber started his career at an Austrian Engineering company for large gas turbine combined cycle plants. He worked for GE from 2001 – 2018 in several positions in the field of gas power plants. Since 2009 he works for Jenbacher gas engines, and since 2018 as strategic product development manager for gas engines.

Alexander Peters

Managing Partner, NEUMAN & ESSER, Übach-Palenberg – Germany

Dipl. -Wirt. Ing., University of Siegen, 1992 – 1998 

MBA – International Business Administration, Long Island University New York, 1999 – 2000

After some 20 years in operational management as managing partner in various companies within the NEUMAN & ESSER GROUP, Alexander Peters‘ current focus is on the strategic development of the family-owned company in terms of product solutions, product diversification, and market segment development, as well as the adaptation of global business structures and processes. The sustainable development of the company into a solution provider for the transforming global economy based on CO2-neutral energy sources plays the most important role in this context. The goal is to position NEUMAN & ESSER as an enabler with comprehensive solutions for the hydrogen and circular economy and to gain market share in the long term.

Dr. Christian Renk

Global Head of TI Product Group Ammonia & Derivates of Nitrogen, thyssenkrupp Uhde, Dortmund – Germany

• Studied process engineering at the University of Karlsruhe – now KIT (1998-2003)
• Subsequent doctorate at the Karlsruhe Research Centre (2003-2008)
• After completing his doctorate, moved to Australia, where he worked as an engineer from 2008-2014
• Since 2014 with Uhde in various roles. After a current re-structuring, I hold the title “Global Head of TI Product Group Ammonia & Derivates of Nitrogen” from the 1st of October 2025

Alexander Rest

Director Product Management, Quest One, Augsburg – Germany

Alexander Rest started his career at Everllence (formerly MAN Energy Solutions) in 2014. He worked as a project manager in medium speed engine engineering and as assistant to the CEO. In 2022 he joint Quest One being responsible for product management and cost & value engineering. He holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering & business administration.

Oleksandr Siromakha

Head of Sustainable Fuels, MB Energy, Hamburg – Germany

Oleksandr Siromakha is the Head of Sustainable Fuels at MB Energy (previously Mabanaft), a leading independent fuel supplier. With over 17 years of expertise in energy trading and logistics, project development, and strategic planning, he is driving MB Energy’s shift towards CO2-neutral solutions, including e-fuels, advanced biofuels, green hydrogen, and hydrogen derivatives.

Before joining MB Energy, Oleksandr was an Integrated Business Development Manager at the Marquard & Bahls Group, where he focused on strategic corporate growth. He also led the marketing and market analysis department at Oiltanking.

Oleksandr holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Konstanz, where he specialized in climate-related studies, enhancing his understanding of sustainable energy management.

Ellen Stotz

Key Account Manager Chemical Industry, Lechler, Düsseldof – Germany

I am holding a Master’s degree in Process Engineering and Environmental Technologies and bring several years of professional experience in the fields of academic research and industrial technology. Since 2018, I have been with Lechler GmbH, where specialize in nozzle system s contributing to the application of advanced spray technologies.

Dr. Nurettin Tekin

Hydrogen Product Manager, Kawasaki Gas Turbine Europe – Germany

Dr. Nurettin Tekin graduated in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, where he also completed his doctoral thesis on the „Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Innovative Cooling Technology for Gas Turbine Applications.“ He began his career as a project engineer focusing on FEM and CFD analysis of gas and steam turbines. Later, he became a project manager at Kawasaki Gas Turbine Europe, working on gas turbine package development, explosion protection (ATEX), and gas quality analysis. Since 2020, he has served as the hydrogen product manager at Kawasaki, overseeing hydrogen project development, including production, storage, transport, and utilization of hydrogen.

Sven Truckenmüller

Application Manager BU Industry, GEMÜ Gebr. Müller Apparatebau, Kupferzell – Germany

Sven Truckenmüller started his career in 2006 at EUWA water treatment Gmbh in Gärtringen Germany, where he worked a project manager. In 2008 he joined dinotec GmbH in Maintal as project manager for pool water treatment and electrolysis systems. In 2012 he joined to AWS AG, Heilbronn as an engineer for air treatment systems. In 2018 he joined GEMÜ. Truckenmüller is a graduate engineer in process & environmental engineering.

Dr. Annika Utz

Senior expert IP & Innovation for Water Electrolysis Systems, Bosch – Germany

Dr. Annika Utz holds a PhD in electrochemistry of SOFCs from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Since joining Robert Bosch GmbH in 2011, she has actively shaped the development of energy systems, hydrogen, and electrolysis technologies in various roles. As a senior expert in systems engineering, Dr. Utz leads system evaluation, drives innovation, and secures IP protection for Bosch.

Christian Wehling

Business Development Manager, Alfa Laval – Austria

Christian Wehling studied mechanical engineering at the University of Hannover, specializing in energy and process engineering. After graduating in 1997, he began his career in sales at GEA Küba Kältetechnik. He then worked at APV Invensys as Sales Manager for the DACH region. In 2007, he joined a startup in the solar sector and established a production site in Austria, where he subsequently served as Technical Director. During this time, he deepened his expertise in plate heat exchangers and, starting in 2013, began developing new concepts and innovations in his own development office. As part of this work, he collaborated with Alfa Laval, where he now works as a Business Developer in the Cleantec division. Christian Wehling has been working in the field of heat transfer since his university studies and is currently focusing on developing new heat exchanger concepts for hydrogen applications and industrial heat pumps.

Thomas Wolf

R&D Engineer Advanced Engineering of Innovative Product Solutions, Purem by Eberspächer, Esslingen am Neckar – Germany

• studies of mechanical engineering with focus on design @ DHBW Mannheim
• start of career at Eberspächer group in 2004 as Design Engineer
• Working as Development Engineer with engineering responsibility for exhaust aftertreatment programs of premium car producers like Mercedes or Jaguar Landrover
• entering advanced engineering in 2024 with focus on Direct Air Capture

Ulrich Vögtle

Vice President Business Development and New Solutions Management, Everllence – Germany

Ulrich Vögtle joined Everllence in 1990. Since August 2023, he has assumed the role of Vice President and Head of Global Business Development and New Solutions Management in the Power segment. His focus in business development is on international business and project development, as well as new technologies aimed at creating a more decentralized and decarbonized energy world.

Ulrich Vögtle studied mechanical engineering and graduated with a Dipl. Ing (MSc). After successfully completing his studies, he began his professional career at Everllence. With over thirty years of professional experience, he has held various management positions both in Germany and abroad.

Jens Wulff

CEO EMEA & INDIA, NEUMAN & ESSER, Übach-Palenberg – Germany

Jens Wulff is the CEO EMEA /& INDIA of plant engineering company NEUMAN & ESSER with more than 10 years of renewable hydrogen experience, focusing on compression and, more recently hydrogen generation and end usage. He uses his knowledge along the H2 value chain to enhance various renewable business cases by offering integrated solutions all along the value chain while also offering the corresponding services from installation, commissioning, maintenance and operations.

Jens holds a Dipl.-Ing. Degree for Aeronautical Engineering from the Bundeswehr University Munich and an MBA from the University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management FOM. Additionally to the task stemming from running three companies in the NEUMAN & ESSER GROUP, he is holding webinars and presentations with a special focus around energy transition and sustainability projects.

In 2012 he joined NEUMAN & ESSER GROUP and started to work as a project manager for on- and offshore compressor plants for refinery, gas and chemical applications. In 2014 he moved to an Area Sales Manager position, starting the first renewable hydrogen compression projects for the company. From 2017 until the end of 2021 he headed the production companies of NEUMAN & ESSER and, with his team, completed several projects in the field of digitalization and operational excellence. In parallel he pushed the business development of renewable hydrogen in the company and also was involved in acquisitions and partnerships along the H2-value chain. Since 2022 he is, among the traditional business, responsible for the sales and realization of renewable hydrogen projects. Several of the current and nearer future projects involve the integration of wind power with the H2 economy to solve the main challenges of buffering production volatility, ensuring strategic energy reserves and the transportability of energy.

With deep practical insights from planning to final realization and operation of plants he strives to contribute to the successful transition of our energy systems towards sustainability and carbon neutrality.

He is married and has four children.

Arno Zimmermann

Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, Spark e-Fuels, Berlin – Germany

Arno is an engineer deeply committed to sustainable innovation and cleantech. Arno is the co-founder of the Berlin-based cleantech startup Spark e-Fuels. Spark develops innovative production technologies for sustainable aviation fuels with unique load-flexible capabilities, 15% higher efficiency, and 40% lower costs. Arno’s expertise encompasses product development, techno-economic assessment, and strategic consultancy for startups, corporations, and Fortune 500 companies, primarily in the energy and chemical industries. Arno holds a summa cum laude Doctor of Engineering degree from TU Berlin and MIT, where he researched techno-economics and the carbon footprints of emerging CO2 utilization technologies. He was recognized as a Top Innovator by the World Economic Forum for his work at Spark e-Fuels and was named in Forbes 30 Under 30 for his contributions to sustainable refrigeration at Coolar.co. Arno holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from TU Berlin. In addition to his professional pursuits, he enjoys sports like beach volleyball, hiking, and electronic music.

Manuel Thielmann

member of the management board, Polarstern

Manuel Thielmann is responsible for decentralized energy supply at Polarstern. The focus is on the conceptual development and practical implementation of practical implementation of tenant power projects throughout Germany. They include the integration of the electricity, heat and mobility sectors, as well as various energy and storage technologies.

Prior to joining Polarstern, he worked at the Chair for Electrical Energy Storage Technology of the Technical University of Munich, he researched the integration of battery storage in multi-family houses. As managing director of Green Hydrogen Esslingen GmbH, he is also responsible for the and operation of one of the world's first inner-city electrolyzers for the production of of green hydrogen in the future quarter Neue Weststadt. The quarter was recently awarded the the "Innovation Award Reallabore 2022" of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.