About us
Founded in early 2006 by experienced professionals, StepChange Consulting has since become a trusted partner to leading organizations in the industry. We work closely with our clients to tackle their challenges and implement lasting, sustainable solutions.
Our diverse team of consultants and industry professionals is passionate about challenging the status quo and providing hands-on, value-driven advice that leads to real, measurable results.
Prior to founding StepChange in 2006, Joachim worked for 10 years as a management consultant with a large international management consulting and technology firm, where he was operationally responsible for building the pulp and paper consulting practice. In addition to his specialization in the forest, pulp & paper industry, he has consulting experience from a wide range of other industries.
He is of German-Swedish origin and holds a master’s degree in Business Administration. Since 1996 Joachim has worked with global companies in the sector to define strategies, improve performance, transform supply chains and integrate acquired companies.
Ralf has been a management consultant in the paper and packaging industry since 2000 and joined StepChange at its inception in 2006. He has deep expertise in sales strategy, performance management, organizational design, supply chain, and operational improvement. Over the years, Ralf has led numerous transformation projects, helping many international companies achieve sustainable growth.
Before becoming a consultant, Ralf worked for six years in the chemicals industry and has a strong background in Business Administration.
Veronica started in the global management consulting business in 2001. She specializes in strategic industry topics, sourcing of strategic raw materials and managing performance change. She has experience from living and working in South America, North America, Europe and the Middle East. Prior to joining StepChange she has been responsible for various strategic and operational projects for Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods companies as well as many other industries.
Veronica holds a degree in architecture from the Technical University of Vienna. She also has a MBA degree and a PhD in Economics.
Valentin started his career with StepChange in 2015 and has gathered a wide experience across all segments of the industry. He has expertise in strategy development, profit improvement, turnaround and procurement projects for different players in the pulp and paper industry, working for global clients in more than 20 countries.
Valentin holds a degree in international Business Administration & Economics from the WU Vienna.
Mark is a seasoned industry professional, having previously held the position of General Manager at one of Europe’s largest containerboard mills. With deep expertise in paper mill management, engineering, and maintenance, as well as leading major capital projects, he has been a key technical expert at StepChange Consulting since 2018.
With an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mark has over 35 years of experience in the Paper and Packaging industry.
At StepChange Consulting, our team combines diverse yet complementary skills and the shared belief that every challenge is an opportunity for positive change. Together, we empower our clients to step confidently into the future, knowing they have a partner dedicated to their success.
We are equally committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics, business conduct, and our StepChange principles in everything we do.
