Ralf Köhler succeeds Philippe Genot, Wood Cluster manager since its creation in 2016 and until his departure last September.
He took up his post on 15 February and will gradually take on his responsibilities, until he becomes a full-time manager on 1 May 2022.
According to the latest mapping carried out in collaboration with Luxinnovation’s “Market Intelligence” department and published in 2020, the wood industry in Luxembourg represents more than 1,200 companies – mostly SMEs – and employs some 19,500 people.
Ralf Köhler, introduce yourself…
“I am 43 years old and of German nationality. I have a degree in forestry and resource management from the Fachhochschule Weihenstephan in Freising, and a Master of Science, Energy Management & Renewable Energy from the University of Koblenz-Landau.
I started working in Luxembourg in 2017. I was initially responsible for technical operations in a medium-sized recycling company. Then, in 2019, I became managing partner of eco:novis Ingénieurs-Conseils in Beckerich, which specialises in engineering services and consulting in the energy and environment sector.
How do you feel about your new responsibility as head of the Luxembourg Wood Cluster?
“I am very excited about all the challenges that await the cluster, especially in the very dynamic and innovative Luxembourg market, which I already know well.
With my 15 years of professional and and extensive industry experience, my interdisciplinary background and my complex specialisation in the forestry and biomass sector, I intend to bring my own touch to the cluster.
Proximity to partners in forestry, timber construction and industry is very important to me, as is broad acceptance and mutual cooperation with ministries and authorities.
What is your roadmap?
“My mission will focus on operational climate protection, securing national wood resources and the application of the circular economy in the entire wood value chain. I intend to put all my expertise at the disposal of companies in the wood sector and to support them in their innovation projects to make them more resilient.
Wood is a fully circular material that is perfectly suited for the realisation of flagship projects contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and there is certainly room to develop new ideas on this topic.”