About Us
Founded in early 2006 by experienced industry professionals, StepChange Consulting has grown into a trusted partner for leading organizations across the sector, and increasingly in other industries, where long-standing clients have asked us to bring our capabilities and expertise to new challenges. We work closely with our clients to address their challenges and implement lasting, sustainable solutions.
Our team of consultants and industry experts is driven by a passion to challenge the status quo and deliver hands-on, value-driven advice that leads to real, measurable results.
Joachim founded StepChange in 2006. Prior to that, he spent 10 years with a leading international consulting firm, where he worked across a range of industries and helped build the pulp and paper practice.
Joachim has worked with global companies across the forest, pulp and paper industry, playing a key role in shaping industry transformation, from strategy and M&A to performance improvement, supply chain transformation, and post-merger integration. In his role as an industry expert, he is a frequent guest and speaker at leading industry events worldwide. He is passionate about bringing digital change to the industry and was the creator of StepChange’s proprietary first dedicated digital transformation methodology for the sector.
Joachim is of German-Swedish origin and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration.
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, supporting international companies in achieving sustainable growth and measurable performance improvements.
Ralf holds a degree in Business Administration and spent six years working in the chemicals industry prior to his consulting career.
Veronica started her career in global management consulting in 2001. She specializes in strategic industry topics, sourcing of strategic raw materials, restructuring, turnaround, organizational design, and managing performance transformation. She has lived and worked in South America, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Prior to joining StepChange, she led strategic and operational projects for Fortune 500 consumer goods companies and other industries.
Veronica holds a degree in architecture from the Technical University of Vienna, as well as an MBA and a PhD in Economics.
Valentin joined StepChange in 2015 and has built extensive experience across the pulp, paper and packaging industry, working with global clients in more than 20 countries. He specializes in strategy development, performance improvement, turnaround, procurement, and has led multiple digital transformation initiatives. Valentin also leads StepChange’s Digital Practice, focusing on value-driven digital and AI applications across the industry.
Valentin holds a degree in International Business Administration & Economics from WU Vienna.
Mark is a seasoned industry executive, having previously served as General Manager of one of Europe’s largest containerboard mills. He brings deep expertise in paper mill operations, engineering, maintenance, and the execution of major capital projects. Since joining StepChange in 2018, Mark has been instrumental in building and leading the firm’s Asset & Technical Practice, supporting clients on operational excellence and technical performance.
Mark holds an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering and has over 30 years of experience in the paper and packaging industry.
At StepChange Consulting, our team brings together diverse yet complementary skills, united by the belief that every challenge is an opportunity for positive change. We work side by side with our clients to help them move forward with confidence, knowing they have a partner fully committed to their success.
We are equally committed to the highest standards of ethics, business conduct, and our StepChange principles in everything we do.
