Christiane Nelles takes helm at BV Glas amid new energy and climate challenges
Christiane Nelles has taken over as the new Managing Director of BV Glas, the Federal Association of the German Glass Industry, effective July 1. She succeeds Dr. Johann Overath, who is retiring after more than two decades of dedicated service. Nelles, who has been with the association for 17 years, was formerly Deputy Managing Director and Head of Energy and Climate Policy. Her deep expertise in national and European energy policy and her familiarity with the industry’s challenges position her well to lead BV Glas into the future.
Dr. Overath’s tenure at BV Glas began in 2002, and he assumed the role of Managing Director in 2006. Under his leadership, the association underwent significant restructuring, including the establishment of a capital office in Berlin and the consolidation of the organisation into a unified entity. Beyond administrative reforms, Overath played a pivotal role in steering the industry’s response to pressing issues such as decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and sustainability. He championed the development of a CO2 roadmap and underscored the necessity of innovative technologies to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint, aligning with broader climate objectives that target achieving climate neutrality by 2045.
BV Glas represents about 80% of German glass manufacturing companies, advocating strongly on environmental, economic, and energy policy matters. The association’s leadership under Overath also demonstrated resilience amidst global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions from the Ukraine conflict, emphasising the need for courage and vision in navigating the future.
Christiane Nelles now steps into this role at a time when the industry is focused on continuing its climate transition and meeting ambitious sustainability targets. Her background in energy and climate policy suggests a continuation of the strategic priorities established during Overath’s tenure, with potential new emphases on European policy developments and energy transition strategies crucial for the industry.
The current president of BV Glas, Dr. Christian Quenett, Head of Architectural Glass Europe at NSG Group since November 2023, will work alongside Nelles in guiding the association’s efforts. The German glass industry looks to maintain strong advocacy and innovation under their combined leadership.
BV Glas has expressed gratitude to Dr. Johann Overath for his decades of service and leadership, while welcoming Christiane Nelles with optimistic expectations for her tenure. Her appointment signals a blend of continuity and renewed focus on navigating the complex energy and climate policy landscape that will define the glass industry’s future.