After more than 20 years at Paul Wurth, Frank Wagener is set to step down from the company’s management. SMS Group has announced the appointment of Tim Ovelgönne as managing director of its Luxembourg subsidiary. He will join the company on 1 August, before officially taking up his post on 1 October. A transition period is planned until 30 September to ensure continuity of management.

Tim Ovelgönne joins Paul Wurth after holding several senior management roles within SMS Group, where he led industrial projects and technological transformations. “His appointment reflects our confidence in the future of Paul Wurth Luxembourg and our commitment to building on this solid foundation,” said Thomas Hansmann, chief technology officer of SMS Group and chairman of Paul Wurth. Paul Tockert, for his part, will retain his role as technical director and will support the transition.

An unchanged strategy

SMS Group describes this appointment as a generational change within Paul Wurth’s management team. The group takes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to its Luxembourg operations, which it regards as a centre for engineering, technology and research and development. It emphasises that this development does not alter the company’s strategy, its organisation or the projects currently underway.

Frank Wagener has been at the helm of Paul Wurth since 2024 and will support his successor until the end of September. He will then continue his roles within SMS Group as a director of Nei Hollerich sàrl and Paul Wurth Real Estate. “Frank Wagener has played a key role in strengthening and developing Paul Wurth over the years and leaves behind a company that is well positioned for the future,” emphasises Thomas Hansmann, who also thanks the CEO, “for his commitment and leadership”.