Dr. Silke Wagener
Silke Wagener has worked for more than 25 years on the development and globalization of innovative technologies, 20 of those years focusing on hydrogen and fuel cells. The polymer chemist, who holds a doctorate, joined the Freudenberg Group in 1993, where she held various management positions. In 2002, she took over the management of the newly founded Freudenberg Fuel Cell Technologies business group. After successfully establishing Freudenberg's business foundations in the areas of hydrogen and fuel cells, she assumed the role of Director of Strategic R&D in New Business Development in 2013. Most recently, within the Freudenberg Technology Innovation division, she coordinated, among other things, the hydrogen activities of the technology group.
In addition to her extensive expertise in materials, products, and manufacturing – from filters and seals to nonwovens – Silke Wagener's many years at Freudenberg have given her a deep understanding of the roles and challenges of the automotive supplier industry in an international environment. Freudenberg is recognized worldwide as a pioneer in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Building on her knowledge of the various industries where hydrogen plays a role, she has, in her diverse roles at Freudenberg in the three relevant segments of automotive, industry, and energy, helped establish numerous international collaborations in Europe, North America, and Asia, built internal and external networks, and managed key accounts.
Silke Wagener is active in numerous committees. Examples include her work with the Fraunhofer Institute, the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), the Federation of German Industries (BDI), the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), the advisory board of NOW GmbH (until 2013), and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM).
