Automotive markets are undergoing major change, global competition is intensifying and, at the same time, new opportunities are emerging outside traditional applications. The Executive Circle brings together decision-makers and C-level executives from the die-casting industry in an exclusive setting. Through dialogue, participants assess current developments, discuss strategic challenges and develop new perspectives for the industry.
The future cannot be shaped alone
The combination of strategic dialogue, different perspectives and joint development has defined the Executive Circle since its premiere in 2023. Previous editions have focused, among other things, on strategic networking, new forms of collaboration along the value chain and the question of how the European die-casting industry can remain competitive and fit for the future. The Executive Circle deliberately creates a setting in which decision-makers can assess current challenges, gain fresh impetus and discuss together how the industry can develop further.
For Phuong Anh Do, who is responsible for the continued development of the EUROGUSS event brand at NürnbergMesse, this is precisely where the strength of the format lies: “The Executive Circle brings together decision-makers from different parts of the value chain and creates space for open and honest dialogue. It is precisely these different perspectives that make the discussions valuable. Our aim is to provide fresh impetus, broaden perspectives beyond individual companies and jointly develop ideas that will make the industry fit for the future.”
The questions that need to be decided now
In 2027, the focus will shift even more strongly towards the future. The agenda includes questions that are crucial to the strategic direction of many companies: Where will future growth come from beyond today’s automotive business? Which technologies are worth investing in, and which are unlikely to create sufficient value? How can European die casters remain profitable in the face of global competition? Which capabilities will distinguish the industry’s leading companies in future? And which decisions need to be made today?
The programme is structured around these questions. Under the heading “Understanding Change”, the first day will initially establish the strategic framework. In his keynote, “Europe in a New World Order – How can Europe Regain Competitiveness?”, Prof. Dr Marcel Fratzscher, President of the German Institute for Economic Research, will discuss Europe’s position in a changing world order. The subsequent panel discussion, “Europe in the Global HPDC Game: How to Win the Race”, will bring together perspectives from Europe, the USA and China. Alongside Fratzscher, participants will include Dirk Seckler, Co-CEO of Handtmann Light Metal Casting, Prof. Dr Min Chen, Global Business Strategist, and Mike Meyer, President of the North American Die Casting Association. “Transformation Success Stories: From Surviving to Shaping” will then examine how companies can actively shape change.
Automotive: rethinking existing business
On the second day, under the heading “Creating Opportunities”, the focus will shift to concrete areas for action. Automotive will remain a key market for the die-casting industry. The session “What OEMs Expect from the Supply Chain of Tomorrow” will therefore explicitly examine existing business: What requirements will OEMs place on their supply chains in future, and which success factors will become more important? In addition, Frank Wimmer, Head of Purchasing Suspension Arms, Bars, Axle Systems at the BMW Group, will address the criteria against which suppliers will need to compete in the Executive Dialogue “Productivity, Cost, Quality & Resilience”.
Targeted exploration of new business fields
At the same time, the Executive Circle will focus on new areas of growth. The keynote “New Growth Markets Beyond Automotive” will ask which markets could become relevant in future. The Executive Dialogues will explore this in more detail: Prof. Dr Tobias Weiser, Director of the Institute of Applied AI and Robotics, will speak on “Robotics & Future Applications”. The focus will be particularly on which new applications and value chains could emerge through robotics and what role the die-casting industry could play in them in future. A dialogue on “Beyond Automotive Growth” is also planned, examining the potential of drones, aerospace and the defence industry for the die-casting sector.
“What matters is bringing different perspectives together at an early stage: those of potential customers, suppliers, technology partners and other players along the value chain. The Executive Circle provides exactly the right setting for this,” says Phuong Anh Do.
Dialogue as a working format
The keynotes and panels provide the initial impetus, while the Executive Dialogues create space for in-depth discussion in smaller groups. The organisational side of transformation is also part of the programme: under the title “Why Transformation Fails and How Leadership Makes the Difference”, Nicoletta Sabov, Vice President at AlixPartners, will examine leadership and the ability to manage change. In this way, the programme combines market and technology issues with the question of how companies need to organise themselves internally in order to make use of emerging opportunities.
The Executive Circle is aimed at CEOs and Managing Directors, managing directors of die-casting companies, executives from OEMs and Tier 1 companies, as well as those responsible for strategy, innovation, technology, purchasing and production. On 20 and 21 January 2027, they will come together in Frankfurt to assess developments, reflect on strategies and discuss new business opportunities along the European die-casting value chain.
