Key take-aways:
- Climeworks, the forefront leader in carbon removal via direct air capture technology, grows by leaps and bounds.
- The company was able to win two experienced C-level members: Simon Weston as Chief Science Officer and Ann-Kristin Koch as Chief Communication & Branding Officer.
- The Executive Team of Climeworks is now complete.
The Swiss unicorn Climeworks can count on two new minds: Ann-Kristin Koch joined as Chief Communication & Branding Officer in November and Simon Weston will take on the new role of Chief Science Officer as of January 2024. The Executive Team will thus consist of nine members: Co-CEO and co-founder Christoph Gebald, co-CEO and co-founder Jan Wurzbacher, Chief Commercial Officer Jan Huckfeldt, Chief HR Officer Christian Ferber, Chief Finance Officer Andreas Aepli, Chief Project Development Officer Daniel Nathan and Chief Operating Officer Douglas Chan.
The Climeworks Executive Team
Brand reputation is key to gain momentum
As global deployment is a must to achieve industry necessary size and Climeworks’ goals, Communication and Branding will continue to play a crucial role on the scale-up journey by further raising awareness and fostering understanding of the direct air capture technology in addressing climate change and gaining support from stakeholders, policymakers, and investors worldwide.
Ann-Kristin Koch can rely on 20 years of communication experience in the technology sector with a distinguished career that includes stints at Swisscom and the space company Beyond Gravity. She brings in the whole gamut of communications – from brand to event management, media relations, internal communications, crisis management and public affairs as well as corporate social responsibility. Ann-Kristin Koch holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Münster and an International Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen.
Co-CEO Christoph Gebald says: “With Ann-Kristin, we have not only gained a renowned communications professional who will play a pivotal role in further enhancing our presence globally, but also an exemplary leader who will propel us forward with her keen perception, clarity and disruptive thinking.”
Innovative CO₂ capture materials and applications
With a career spanning over two decades, Simon Weston has emerged as a progressive figure in the realm of carbon capture science. Prior to joining Climeworks, Simon Weston worked at ExxonMobil and Mobil Oil in various leading roles such as Program Leader and Distinguished Research Associate & Principal Materials Scientist.
Prior to his corporate tenure, he honed his research acumen as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California at Santa Barbara and at the University of Southampton, delving into hybrid organic-inorganic materials and supramolecular chemistry respectively. His academic journey commenced at Royal Holloway - University of London, where he obtained his Ph.D. and B.Sc. in Chemistry. Simon was honored with the 2024 ACS National Award in the Chemistry of Materials by the American Chemical Society.
Co-CEO Jan Wurzbacher says: “Simon Weston is a trusted authority in CO₂ capture. His relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to environmental stewardship have now led him to Climeworks, where he is poised to drive innovative solutions in the fight against climate change.” Simon Weston will join in January 2024.
Dominique Kronenberg is bidding farewell to embark on a new challenge
While Climeworks welcomes two new members in the Executive Team, Dominique Kronenberg, currently Chief of Staff, has decided to leave Climeworks and resume a new challenge. The mechanical engineer (ETH) served the company for 13 years as Chief Operations Officer and Chief of Staff.
Christoph Gebald, Co-CEO says: “Dominique’s unwavering belief in our purpose, coupled with his exceptional attitude and determination, was a driving force behind the company's early success. Dominique was the one who had the courage to join Climeworks during its inception and remained steadfast, going through thick and thin. A true team player and a remarkable individual, we are grateful for a joint incredible journey and wish him all the best in his new endeavors.”