Tim Ovelgönne to Succeed Frank Wagener as Paul Wurth Managing Director

On Tuesday 30 June 2026, SMS group announced the appointment of Tim Ovelgönne as the new Managing Director of Paul Wurth SA in Luxembourg, effective Wednesday 1 October 2026.

Tim Ovelgönne will join Paul Wurth on Saturday 1 August 2026, before taking over as Managing Director on 1 October, succeeding Frank Wagener, who has led the company since 2024. According to SMS group, the transition will ensure a smooth handover, with Wagener remaining in the role until the end of September. He will also continue to serve SMS group as a board member of Nei Hollerich Sàrl and Paul Wurth Real Estate.

Paul Tockert will remain Technical Director and will work alongside both Wagener and Ovelgönne throughout the transition to ensure continuity and stability.

SMS group noted that Tim Ovelgönne has held several senior management positions within the group, leading complex business projects and technology-driven transformation initiatives. The company said he has played a key role in developing and industrialising innovative solutions and will now lead Paul Wurth through its next phase of growth.

The company added that the leadership transition reflects SMS group's continued commitment to its Luxembourg operations, which remain a key engineering, technology and research and development hub within the group. It stressed that Paul Wurth's strategic direction, organisational structure and ongoing projects will remain unchanged.

"Frank Wagener has played an important role in strengthening and developing Paul Wurth over many years and leaves behind a company that is well positioned for the future. We sincerely thank him for his dedication and leadership. At the same time, we welcome Tim Ovelgönne in his new position. His appointment reflects our confidence in the future of Paul Wurth Luxembourg and our continuing commitment to building on this strong foundation.", said Thomas Hansmann, CTO of SMS group and Chairman of Paul Wurth SA.

SMS group said the leadership transition underlines its commitment to driving innovation and developing sustainable solutions for the global metals industry.