Umicore Galvanotechnik GmbH honors Karl Hieber's 25 years of loyalty

Umicore Galvanotechnik GmbH honored Karl Hieber, a long-standing member of the management team and global controller of the Business Unit Metal Deposition Solutions of the Umicore Group, for his 25 years of service. During a ceremony, Managing Director Michael Herkommer, Human Resources Manager Steffen Barth, and Deputy Chair of the Works Council Michael Ritz praised the employee celebrating an anniversary of his service for his exceptional commitment and outstanding achievements.

Hieber rejoined the company on January 1, 2001, having already worked for Umicore during his studies at the Berufsakademie Heidenheim (University of Applied Sciences, 1986–1989, specializing in industry) as part of his practical training. After holding various positions, including at an internationally renowned management consultancy, where he was responsible for finance and accounting, IT, and controlling, he returned to the Schwaebisch Gmuend site as administrative manager with simultaneous responsibility as controller. Just one year later, he was granted general power of attorney. Since 2010, Hieber has also been responsible for controlling the globally active business unit, which includes the headquarters in Schwaebisch Gmuend as well as affiliated locations in China, Thailand, Japan, Brazil, and, since 2020, Liechtenstein and Taiwan.

Hieber received a certificate of honor from the IHK (German Association of Industry and Trade) for his many years of loyalty and service. In addition, he got lots of congratulations from his coworkers and various gifts, including a selection of fine regional wines.

aging Director Michael Herkommer praised Hieber's central role in the company:
"Karl Hieber is much more than a global controller and administrative manager at our site in Schwaebisch Gmuend. His deep understanding of business management and analytical thinking have served as a reliable compass for us over the years. He has always been characterized by his courage to make the necessary, forward-looking decisions, even when they are unpopular. The fact that we are now on a stable footing and can look to the future with confidence, despite the challenging economic and geopolitical conditions, is largely thanks to him."

Hieber himself was visibly moved during the ceremony, but remained modest. He gratefully accepted the words of appreciation and congratulations, but emphasized that successes are always a team effort. According to Hieber, his work would not be possible “without a strong team that does outstanding work day after day.”

In addition to his professional activities, Hieber has been volunteering for many years as chairman of the board of trustees of the Schwaebisch Gmuend Adult Education Centre (Gmünder Volkshochschule). The former soccer player for TSGV Waldstetten still finds personal balance in sports and travel.

The anniversary not only honors an impressive professional career, but also Hieber's deep connection to the company and the site in Schwaebisch Gmuend.