Martina Merz, CEO of thyssenkrupp AG: "We remain convinced that the independent positioning of the steel business offers very good prospects for the future – even if the concrete form of implementation must remain open for the moment due to the geopolitical situation. We also want to document the integrity of this process by appointing independent members to the Supervisory Board who have the trust of both sides of the co-determined steel company. With Sigmar Gabriel we have been able to win a very competent and experienced personality for the Supervisory Board of thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG. Especially from his time as Federal Minister of the Environment and Federal Minister of Economics, he brings valuable experience that will be essential for the green transformation of thyssenkrupp Steel. We are therefore convinced that Sigmar Gabriel will not only be an excellent addition to the board, but will also set clear accents for the further development of the steel sector. We look forward to working together in the new constellation. At the same time, we thank Dr. Franz Bartscherer and Prof. Dr. Diethard Bergers for their great commitment over the past years."

Sigmar Gabriel: "I would like to thank you for the trust you have placed in me and I am very much looking forward to the task ahead. The requirements of the green transformation confront thyssenkrupp Steel, but also the entire industry, with a historic challenge. In the coming months and years, groundbreaking decisions with economic, industrial policy and environmental relevance will be made. Accompanying us on this path is one of the most exciting tasks currently facing German industry. Nowhere can it be demonstrated as convincingly as in steel that economic success and sustainability in climate policy can be brought together in Germany. I am optimistic that the challenges of the green transformation can be overcome. I want to contribute to this in my function."

Sigmar Gabriel looks back on a long political career. He was Federal Chairman of the SPD from 2009 to 2017 and Vice Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany from 2013 to 2018. In 2005, Sigmar Gabriel was appointed Federal Minister for the Environment. In the years from 2013 to 2017, he held the post of Federal Minister of Economics, before taking over as Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2018.

Dr Elke Eller was Chief Human Resources Officer at TUI AG from 2015 to 2021. She previously held various management positions at the Volkswagen Group. Previously, she held various management positions at the Volkswagen Group, most recently as a member of the brand board of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. She is regarded as a proven expert in the transformation of companies and is involved as an investor in various start-ups.