Announcement from the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Aktien-Gesellschaft der Dillinger Hüttenwerke

Dr. rer. nat. Paul Belche was a steel man through and through. After studying metallurgy at RWTH Aachen University and advancing through various stages of his career in the ArcelorMittal Group, Dr. Paul Belche joined Dillinger in January 2005 and was CEO of Dillinger and DHS – Dillinger Hütte Saarstahl AG until the beginning of 2011. In addition to his position as Chairman, he also headed the company's Sales, Purchasing and Transport department.

Dr. Paul Belche was a strong leader who was highly respected by his colleagues and employees. The years during which he served as Chairman were marked by numerous new and decisive actions aimed at preparing Dillinger for the significant challenges of the future. Many important investments fell within his term of office, including revamping of the Zentralkokerei Saar coking plant, preparation of the investment in construction of Steelwind Nordenham, expansion of the thick plate strategy, revamping of the CC5 continuous casting line and construction of the blast furnace gas power plant.

Dillinger's employees, Board of Management members, Works Council members and Supervisory Board members mourn the loss of this special leader who has shaped Dillinger's fortunes to this day and whose charisma and farsighted leadership will be remembered by many. 

Reinhard Störmer

Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Aktien-Gesellschaft der Dillinger Hüttenwerke and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Montan-Stiftung-Saar