Florian von Steinkeller, chief operating officer of Nyrstar Europe and former chairman of the International Lead Association (ILA) for more than a decade, has received the International Lead Award in recognition of his contribution to the lead industry.
Von Steinkeller, who left Glencore earlier this year to join Trafigura-owned Nyrstar, was selected for his leadership during a period of considerable change, when the industry faced significant regulatory and strategic challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the awarding committee at the European Lead Battery Conference (ELBC) in Vienna, ILA executive director Dr Andy Bush said: “For more than a decade Florian has provided steady and effective leadership through an unprecedented period of change. He played a central role in building alignment among key industry leaders and the associations serving the lead and battery industries, helping to shape a shared strategic plan to effectively promote the long-term sustainability of the industry.”
Steinkeller oversaw the formation of the CBI
During his tenure, von Steinkeller oversaw the formation of the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI) and the development of a material stewardship programme.
Bush added: “I personally had the good fortune and great pleasure of working closely with Florian throughout his time on the ILA board. His vision, his leadership, his deep industry insight and his relentless focus on creating value for the association for the benefit of the whole industry were key factors in the successful evolution of ILA during his period in office.”
Mark Stevenson, chairman of the Asian Battery Conference and a member of the awarding committee, said: “Florian has made a significant and enduring contribution to the ongoing success of the lead and lead battery industries. I am delighted that he continues to be an ambassador for the industry, both in his professional capacity and through his continued support for associations including ILA.”
Accepting the award, von Steinkeller said: “I am honoured to receive this recognition and to join the distinguished list of International Lead Award winners. It has been a privilege to help guide the lead and lead battery industry through a period of significant challenge at both ILA and CBI. Today, the industry is increasingly recognised as part of the solution to societies’ most important challenges including decarbonisation and security of supply — setting the benchmark for battery innovation, recycling efficiency, enabling the recovery of critical metals, and the development of credible pathways to decarbonisation.”
This year marked the first time public nominations were sought for the award, with the committee receiving a strong field of candidates.
Bush said: “The number and quality of nominations received is testament to the breadth and depth of talent across the industry and to its collective commitment to driving a sustainable future for lead and lead batteries. It also reflects the stature of this award and the esteem in which it is held across the industry.”
