LESS aisbl: Board appoints new Secretary General

Brussels, 24th June 2025 – The board of LESS aisbl is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Carmen Ostwald as its new Secretary General. With extensive experience in the European steel industry and a strong professional network, Ostwald brings a dynamic leadership style and in-depth expertise to managing the organisation behind the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS).

Gunnar Groebler, Chairman of LESS aisbl, commented on the change in roles: “First, I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Dr. Martin Theuringer for his tireless commitment to LESS over the past years. From developing and introducing the Low Emission Steel Standard to achieving its recognition as an internationally respected benchmark with a growing European membership, Mr. Theuringer's dedication and leadership have played a significant role in the setup of LESS.
At the same time, I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Carmen Ostwald as Secretary General. With her in-depth understanding of the European steel industry and her strong reputation and connections, she is the ideal person to advance the Low Emission Steel Standard. Under her leadership, we are confident that LESS will consolidate its position as the clean steel benchmark in Europe. I wish her every success in this role.”

In her first statement as Secretary General, Dr. Carmen Ostwald shared her enthusiasm for the new role: “I am honored to take on this exciting role as Secretary General of LESS aisbl and to promote sustainable innovation in the steel industry. Turning clean steel made in Europe into reality requires a reliable and transparent standard. I am committed to strengthening the recognition of LESS among steel producers, consumer sectors, and policymakers. Together, we will lay the foundation for lead markets for low-emission steel.”

Martin Theuringer looks back with pride on what has been achieved: "At the German Steel Association, we have worked tirelessly with our member companies over the past few years to get the Low Emission Steel Standard off the ground, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to all colleagues involved. I am now delighted that the next steps towards Europeanization are being taken. Carmen Ostwald is exactly the right person for this task, and I wish her every success and all the best."

As Secretary General, Ostwald will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the strategic vision of LESS aisbl. Her responsibilities include expanding membership across the steel value chain and fostering collaboration with industry, government, and standardisation bodies. The ultimate aim is to establish LESS as a recognized benchmark in public and private procurement – making it easier for consumers to identify and trust low emission steel based on a transparent and credible standard.