Sustainability in the Ruhr area: Top CEOs discuss future strategies!

Sustainability in the Ruhr area: Top CEOs discuss future strategies!

On Wednesday evening, June 27, 2025, the “CEO Dialogue” of the Ruhr Initiative Circle and the Ruhr University Alliance took place at the Ruhr University Bochum. Around 400 students and guests gathered to discuss the strategic, financial and personnel design of sustainability in companies with leading managers. The event was hosted by Prof. Dr. Stephan Paul moderated and offered a panel with well-known representatives from the industry, including Dr. Leonhard Birnbaum, CEO of E.ON, Martina Steffen, board member of HOCHTIEF, and Guido Kerkhoff, CEO of Klöckner & Co and board member of the Ruhr Initiativkreis.

The main topic of the evening was the energy transition, which is seen as one of the key challenges in paving the way to a climate-neutral and economically strong future. Dr. Leonhard Birnbaum emphasized that E.ON's strategy is largely focused on sustainability. At the same time, affordability and security of supply are of great importance to society. “We need pragmatism in Europe,” said Birnbaum.

Sustainability as part of the corporate culture

Martina Steffen pointed out that sustainability is not just a buzzword, but should be a central component of employer branding and recruiting. Companies must live up to their responsibility as agents of change and take proactive measures in this direction. The positive outlook for the Ruhr area as a business location was underlined by Guido Kerkhoff, who highlighted the region's potential to set standards through cooperation between industry, science and politics.

The evening's decision-makers also discussed regional responsibilities and the challenges that arise for companies in a rapidly changing economic landscape. The commitment to sustainability could also be a way for many companies to counteract ecological and social injustices, as is currently the aim in many industries. For example, by avoiding food waste and plastic waste, companies could not only contribute to environmental friendliness, but also realize economic benefits.

Innovative approaches in business

The path to sustainable transformation can be paved through innovative approaches that are used in various areas of the economy. Digital solutions to reduce food waste are just one example. Loud Deloitte The use of blockchain technology could provide further valuable support in the fight against climate change by facilitating decentralized financing and monitoring of projects. These developments not only offer the opportunity to address ecological grievances, but also create new business models and market opportunities.

The vision of a climate-neutral future and the need for change were impressively underlined by the exchange between students and leaders. These events play an essential role in instilling awareness of the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainability in the next generation of leaders.