Dr. Mickael Planasch named new MD of VTU Engineering Deutschland
Dr. Mickael Planasch Appointed New Managing Director of VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH
Dr. Mickael Planasch has been named the new Managing Director of VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH. Alongside Hubert Apfelmaier, he will oversee the strategic and operational leadership of VTU Group's German engineering business.
Dr. Planasch brings extensive expertise and a proven track record in transforming and operationally advancing engineering firms. With nearly 20 years of experience in the process industry, he has held various leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Head of Engineering at Kraftanlagen Energies & Services SE, Industrial Business Unit, while simultaneously acting as Managing Director of ECM â Ingenieur-Unternehmen fĂźr Energie- und Umwelttechnik GmbH and Chairman of the Board of Romanian company IPIP SA.
Throughout his career, Dr. Planasch has successfully guided companies through periods of transformation, playing a key role in their financial stabilization and sustainable growth. During his tenure, he achieved significant revenue and profit increases within just a few years, strategically expanded the customer base, and further developed the service portfolio.
Under his leadership, new business models were created and markets openedâparticularly in future-oriented technologies such as hydrogen, carbon capture, and innovative approaches to decarbonizing industrial processes. His strong communication skills and determination were instrumental in driving the company's progress.
Born in Bruck an der Mur, Austria, Dr. Planasch began his career as a research associate at Graz University of Technology. He later took on roles as a project leader and manager at Borealis Agrolinz Melamine GmbH and Clariant Produkte Deutschland GmbH. He holds a PhD and a degree in process engineering from Graz University of Technology and has been registered as a consulting engineer for regulated trades in process engineering since 2024.
With his demonstrated leadership, expertise in change management, and ability to sustainably implement operational excellence initiatives, he is ideally positioned to lead VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH into its next phase of growth.
CEO Liam O'Neil commented:"Germany is a cornerstone of VTU's long-term strategy and a market where we have built a strong and respected position. Given Germany's central role in Europe's reindustrialization, we see significant opportunities to build on this foundation and grow alongside our customers. As industry adapts to geopolitical shifts and rising demands for resilience and sustainability, investments in both new and existing facilities are increasing. VTU is well equipped to support this transition by combining technical excellence with practical execution.
Mickael brings the right skill set to lead this next phase. With his strong technical background and deep experience in driving performance and transformation, he understands both our customers and our business. Together with our highly skilled team in Germany, we look forward with confidence to the next chapter of our growth and the role Germany will play in our broader European ambitions."
Dr. Mickael Planasch shared his thoughts on his new role:"I am delighted to take on the role of Managing Director at VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH and to actively shape the next phase of its development. VTU stands for technical excellence and is a trusted partner for leading companies in the life sciences and process industriesâpositions I aim to further strengthen and expand in Germany. As a team, we will drive healthy growth through operational excellence, innovative solutions, and an even stronger customer focus."
