Hamburg, 20 March 2026 – Burkhard Zimmermann will join Biesterfeld as Global Director Digital & IT on April 1, 2026.
Burkhard Zimmermann holds a PhD in Chemistry and has more than 25 years of experience driving operational excellence through digitalization in the global chemical and polymer materials industry. He is a seasoned IT and digitalization leader with a strong track record of successfully leading international projects in strategy development and execution, restructuring, as well as project and program management (PMO). Throughout his career, Burkhard has worked for global market leaders such as Bayer and Covestro. Most recently, he was responsible, as Senior Director Strategic PMO at Domo Chemicals, for key initiatives focused on efficiency and transformation.
“With strong commitment, I am taking on the responsibility to actively shape the digital transformation of Biesterfeld,” says Burkhard Zimmermann. “Together with the international team, I aim to further develop our digital solutions and, in particular, leverage the full potential of AI to continuously optimize processes, enable data-driven decision-making, and sustainably accelerate the Group’s global competitiveness and growth.”
Stephan Glander, CEO of Biesterfeld SE, explains: “We are delighted to welcome Burkhard Zimmermann to Biesterfeld. As we continue our transformation journey, digitalization plays a crucial role in strengthening our global operations and delivering even greater value to our partners and customers. With his extensive experience in the chemical and polymer industry and his proven track record in leading international digital and IT initiatives, Burkhard brings exactly the expertise and leadership we need to further accelerate our digital transformation.”
About Biesterfeld SE
In 2026 Biesterfeld celebrates its 120 anniversary!
Biesterfeld SE is the holding company of the Biesterfeld Group, one of the international leading distribution and service companies in the field of polymers, rubber, specialty chemicals and ingredients. Founded in 1906 in Hamburg, Germany, today the group has more than 1200 employees across more than 50 locations in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa and generates an annual revenue of 1.29 billion EUR (FY 2024). The fully family-owned company focuses on specialized market know-how, application-based technical advice and services and offers comprehensive product portfolios across numerous industries in the business units Standard Polymers, Engineered Polymers, Performance Polymers, LifeSciences, Industrial and Rubber.
