Valmet Shuffles Leadership in Pulp, Energy and Circularity Unit
Event summary
- Valmet appoints Max Luedtke as Executive Vice President of Pulp, Energy and Circularity business area, effective September 1, 2026.
- Luedtke joins from ABB, where he most recently served as Business Line Manager, Mining & Mineral Processing.
- Departing Executive Vice President Sami Riekkola will support the transition until October 31, 2026.
- Luedtke brings over 20 years of international leadership experience in process industries, with expertise in automation, electrification, and digitalization.
The big picture
Valmet's appointment of Max Luedtke signals a strategic focus on enhancing its automation and digitalization capabilities within the Pulp, Energy and Circularity business area. This move comes as the company seeks to strengthen its position in the process industries, particularly in areas related to sustainability and productivity improvement. With a global team of 18,500 professionals and net sales of approximately EUR 5.2 billion in 2025, Valmet is positioning itself to transform industries toward a regenerative future.
What we're watching
- Strategic Alignment
- How Luedtke's ABB background will influence Valmet's automation and digitalization strategies in the Pulp, Energy and Circularity business area.
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which Luedtke can integrate his experience into Valmet's existing operations and drive business growth.
- Industry Trends
- Whether Valmet can leverage Luedtke's expertise to strengthen its position in the circular economy and sustainability sectors.