Uli Blankenstein
About Uli Blankenstein
Uli Blankenstein serves as the Vice President of Strategy and Execution at Materion Corporation, where he has worked since 2021. He has extensive experience in leadership roles across various companies, including Heraeus Metal Processing, where he significantly improved financial performance and led global teams.
Current Role at Materion Corporation
Uli Blankenstein serves as the Vice President of Strategy and Execution at Materion Corporation, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he has implemented a go-to-market and manufacturing strategy for the commercialization of Nobel-prize winning chemical catalyst technology at Materia Corporation. His focus is on aligning strategic initiatives with operational execution to drive growth and innovation within the company.
Previous Experience at Heraeus
Blankenstein held multiple roles at Heraeus Metal Processing, LLC. He was the Senior Vice President and CFO from 2003 to 2005, followed by a tenure as President and CEO from 2006 to 2012. During his time there, he led the transformation of a subsidiary generating over $300 million in revenue, turning it from a multi-million-dollar loss to achieving over 20% return on capital employed (ROCE) within three years. He also served as Director of Operations and Finance from 1997 to 2003.
Educational Background
Uli Blankenstein completed his MBA at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, where he studied Accounting and Finance, International Management, and Production Management from 1993 to 1997. He also participated in executive training at IMD from 2003 to 2004 and was an exchange student in the MBA program at Texas A&M University from 1995 to 1996. His diverse educational background supports his expertise in management and finance.
Leadership and Global Experience
Blankenstein has extensive leadership experience, having built global organizations across the US, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and China. He served as Executive Vice President at Aperia International from 2015 to 2017 and as Senior Vice President of Operations, Commercial Management, and Manufacturing at Materia from 2012 to 2015. His ability to bridge cultural and operational gaps between Germany and the US is a notable aspect of his career.
Strategic Contributions to HC Starck Solutions
As part of the management team at HC Starck Solutions, Blankenstein contributed to the development of a growth strategy for the company, recognized as a global leader in refractory metals products. His strategic insights and operational leadership have played a significant role in advancing the company's objectives in a competitive market.