Dirk Ramhorst | Digital Transformation Podcast | Wacker Chemie | Momenta

Headquartered in Munich, Wacker is a $4.69 billion German multi-national chemical company employing over 14,300 people. The corporation operates more than 25 production sites in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Dirk has a long track record of leading successful digital transformations in firms specializing in continuous process control. He has held the role of CDO and CIO at Wacker Chemie since 2017. Prior to that, Dirk spent almost eight years as Chief Digital Officer at BASF, overseeing the company's digital transformation. He formerly worked for Siemens as Chief Knowledge Officer and then SVP of Industry. 

Discussion Points:

• What would you consider to be your 'Digital Thread'?
• During your time at Siemens, you were Chief Knowledge Officer and then SVP of Industry. What attracted you to BASF or the continuous process space? What were some of your most significant surprises?
• It's fascinating that you became BASF's Chief Digital Officer in 2013, given it was a pretty early period for such digital leadership roles, particularly in the process industries. What was your remit in this role? What were some of your key wins?
• You joined Wacker in 2016 as both Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer. That's an unusual pairing since one of those roles is about minimizing disturbance, and the other is about causing it. Assuming you agree with this assessment, how did you handle both responsibilities in one capacity for five years?
• When you look at your peers, you see that some have had more success than others. How do you set yourself up for success? Where do you look for ideas?
• You've done a lot of thought leadership work in the field of Industry 4.0. How did you implement Industry 4.0 ideas in your capacity as a digital leader at Wacker and BASF?
• You've undoubtedly seen the EU Commission's next level of thought leadership, dubbed Industry 5.0. Where, Industry 4.0 meets ESG, environmental, sustainability, and governance. What do you think of this broader industry-changing vision of how you would digitally alter a firm, particularly one in the process industry? 
• As you prepare to take on a more prominent role as a digital leader in the process industries. Based on your significant learnings from previous companies, what do you view as your 100-day plan for this business?
• Let's talk about your other leadership role, which you've had for almost seven years as the Regatta Chairman for the Kieler Week. Tell us more about this event and your enthusiasm for the world's largest sailing competition.