Michael Gotsche

Managing Director Krones Recycling GmbH at Krones

Head of Recycling Solutions - Managing Director Krones Recycling GmbH
2023 - Current
Turn-key solutions of mechanical polymer recycling plants suitable for all kinds of polymers including PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP and PS. Highly efficient processes regarding washing quality and water and energy consumption.

Member of the Advisory Board
2021 - 2023
Start-up and developer of a disruptive chemical process for PET recycling in the market entry phase. Winner of the 2018 Innovation Award of the State of Lower Saxony and the 2021 Next Economy Award. Advises the development of the business model, investor search and process development.

Vice President - Strategy Europe, Middle East, Africa
2021 - 2023
Head of strategy unit, realigning the EMEA region for sustainability transformation including technology scouting and identification of acquisition candidates. Impact of European Green Deal.
Vice President, Managing Director - Head of BASF in Africa
2016 - 2021
Heading BASF operations in Africa with over 1000 employees, present in 10 countries including 9 production sites with sales of >700 m€. Organizational development of efficient regional structures (new legal entitites, divestiture of construction chemicals business, carve-out of global business services) Sustainability Roadmap for Africa including flagship projects such as the first African plastic recycling plant in Lagos, Nigeria. Successful implementation of supply chain concepts to overcome trade barriers and ensure supply reliability
Director - Business Management Europe, ME & Africa, Oilfield & Mining Solutions
2008 - 2015
Full P&L responsibility for business in EMEA with sales >100 m€ and 50 people including sales, marketing and technical service, launch of technical service labs in South Africa and Russia
Head of Strategic Management Care Chemicals
2006 - 2008
Regional Marketing & Sales Care Chemicals
2004 - 2006
R&D Manager Performance Chemicals
1997 - 2003
R&D projects and technical service for polymers and surfactants for the Home Care Industry