For Stephan Göttsche, leadership is not about titles, it's about taking responsibility for shaping the future. As the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer of ATEC Pharmatechnik GmbH, Stephan brings a rare blend of visionary thinking and hands-on leadership to one of the most dynamic sectors today: the pharmaceutical industry.

What sets Stephan apart isn’t just his strategic mindset, it’s how deeply involved he is in the everyday rhythm of the company. He doesn’t lead from a distance. Whether it’s operations, product quality, or innovation initiatives, Stephan believes in rolling up his sleeves and being present. His approach is simple: understand the company from the inside out, then guide it with clarity and conviction.

His leadership journey at ATEC is one of collaboration, long-term thinking, and a constant push to raise the bar. Under his guidance, the company isn’t just growing, it’s transforming, aiming to be a leader in its field. Colleagues and partners alike describe Stephan as someone who can zoom in to solve immediate challenges and zoom out to steer toward a bigger vision.

Stephan Göttsche leads with intention. His ability to connect the dots between operational excellence and future-focused strategy is creating a culture where innovation is not a buzzword, it’s how business is done. As the pharmaceutical landscape evolves, Stephan isn’t just adapting to change, he’s driving it.

Storied Career in Operations and Technology

Stephan has built a distinguished career spanning over three decades, navigating through diverse industries and holding pivotal roles in operations and technology management. His expertise stretches across various sectors including shipyards, machinery, automation, warehouse logistics, and electronics. At the start of 2024, he ventured into the pharmaceutical sector, marking the next step in his wide-ranging professional journey. Stephan’s experience is rooted in his profound knowledge of managing global production setups and designing international supply chains, which has been a cornerstone of his career.

A graduate from a university in Hamburg, Stephan began his professional life as a Team Leader at Thyssen Group’s subsidiary, managing logistics and procurement in the shipbuilding sector. His career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined Grundfos, the Danish multinational, where he spent 19 years ascending through various roles, eventually becoming the Managing Director of a large Grundfos subsidiary in Northern Germany.

In 2016, he transitioned to the Körber Group, where he served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) in the Automation Technology division. His expertise later extended to the Körber Supply Chain business, where he played a dual role as COO and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), overseeing research and development, production, and supply chain management. In 2022, Stephan decided to relocate back closer to his family by taking on the role of CEO & COO at ATEC Pharmatechnik GmbH, a position that allowed him to combine his professional passions with a renewed focus on personal values and well-being.

Why the Pharmaceutical Industry?

Stephan’s decision to enter the pharmaceutical field was driven by two primary motivations. First, his extensive experience across different industries gave him a deep appreciation for high-tech solutions. He saw ATEC as an ideal opportunity to further this interest, particularly given the company’s focus on designing and manufacturing customized, sterile processing and handling equipment. Stephan was drawn to the company’s commitment to serving the premium segment of the pharmaceutical industry globally, providing advanced technology to meet the critical needs of healthcare providers.

The second reason lies in the more personal impact the pharmaceutical sector has. Stephan emphasizes the significance of contributing to global health and longevity, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of reliable and safe medicines. For Stephan, ATEC represents a chance to contribute directly to ensuring better health outcomes across the world.

Overcoming Adversities: Lessons Learned from the 2008 Financial Crisis

Throughout his career, Stephan has faced numerous challenges, none more notable than the 2008 global financial crisis. Despite the core products of the company he worked for remaining in demand, the organization suffered a sharp decline in turnover, mainly due to investment cuts in the market. At this time, Stephan’s leadership was put to the test. He had to navigate the delicate balance of cost-cutting measures and protecting employees from layoffs. His solution involved open communication with staff, building trust and garnering their support to accept reduced work hours and deferred bonuses.

By 2009, thanks to swift recovery efforts, the company was able to restore salaries in full, strengthening employee loyalty and trust in the leadership. This experience left Stephan with a profound understanding of how crises can be transformed into long-term opportunities for growth and trust within a company.

Leading Transformation at Grundfos: A Triumph of Teamwork

One of Stephan’s major achievements came during his time as Managing Director at a German machinery company within the Grundfos Group, employing 800 people. The company had been underperforming, but through Stephan’s leadership, it was transformed into a high-performing entity, both financially and operationally. Under his guidance, the company garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as a finalist for "The Factory of the Year" and the prestigious European Excellence Award for achieving balanced results.

Stephan attributes this success to the implementation of Business Excellence principles and Lean Manufacturing strategies, alongside fostering a collaborative environment where employees were encouraged to take ownership of their work. Through a focus on team spirit and motivation, Stephan and his team transformed the company into a model of excellence, a journey he recalls as both challenging and rewarding.

Expanding ATEC’s Global Presence

At ATEC, Stephan has set ambitious goals for the company’s future, focusing on expanding its global footprint. With plans to establish subsidiaries in markets like the USA and Asia, ATEC aims to strengthen its market presence and improve accessibility to customers and partners. Stephan’s strategy includes not just geographical expansion but also a concentrated effort on product innovation, particularly in the area of stopper processing and transfer systems.

To facilitate this, ATEC has established an internal Innovation Hub, providing a space for creative solutions and addressing evolving market needs. Stephan envisions ATEC becoming a global leader in the pharmaceutical equipment sector, delivering high-quality, automated solutions that meet the stringent requirements of the industry.

A Day in the Life: Balancing Operational Demands and Strategic Planning

Stephan’s daily routine is filled with strategic meetings and coordination efforts. His mornings are spent addressing immediate operational concerns, interacting with different department heads, and ensuring that everything is aligned with the company's objectives. Midday, he takes time to meet with his assistant to review the upcoming week’s tasks, keeping ahead of any potential challenges. The afternoon is reserved for more focused tasks, such as responding to emails, preparing key documents, and completing conceptual work.

One of the aspects of his routine he cherishes most is the hour-long commute from home to work, which allows him to mentally prepare for the day ahead and reflect on his progress in the evening. Stephan values this time for its reflective nature and uses it to assess what went well and what could be improved.

Work-Life Balance: The Art of Managing Dual Responsibilities

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a priority for Stephan, despite the pressures of his leadership role. He consciously reserves time for personal activities, like playing guitar and piano with his band, and enjoys solo hiking trips to unwind. Weekends are dedicated to family, and during vacations, he deliberately disconnects from work. Stephan shares that for the past 20 years, he has refrained from checking emails while on holiday, trusting his team to handle any urgent matters.

Stephan’s ability to juggle multiple roles—CEO, COO, family member, and individual—has been shaped by years of experience. He credits his calm demeanor and pragmatic problem-solving skills for his ability to lead effectively, even in the face of unexpected situations.

Empowering Teams and Building Trust: Stephan’s Leadership Philosophy

Stephan’s leadership style is centered on empowerment and authenticity. He believes in giving his team the autonomy to take responsibility and ownership of their roles. "You are just as strong as your team," he asserts, emphasizing the collective nature of success. He encourages his team to take regular holidays to recharge and offers flexibility, such as the option to work from home when appropriate.

For Stephan, authenticity is key to establishing credibility. He believes that leaders must be transparent about their values and show empathy toward their teams. This approach, he believes, fosters trust and motivates people to embrace change, which is essential for long-term success.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is poised for significant growth in the coming decade, and Stephan sees this as an opportunity for ATEC to expand its contributions. With rising global demand for medicines, particularly in personalized treatments and vaccines, Stephan is committed to ensuring that ATEC continues to provide solutions that meet the rigorous demands of the pharmaceutical sector.

As the industry evolves, ATEC’s focus will be on automation and reducing human intervention in the filling process, developing solutions that enhance efficiency and safety. Stephan’s foresight and leadership will be crucial in navigating these changes, ensuring that ATEC remains at the forefront of pharmaceutical technology.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Stephan’s advice to future leaders in the pharmaceutical sector is both practical and personal. He stresses the importance of preparing teams for rapid growth, which often comes with its own set of challenges, such as recruitment and process adjustments. Effective communication, he says, is crucial for keeping the team aligned during periods of change.

Stephan’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of innovation. His ability to turn challenges into opportunities and empower those around him makes him a leader to watch in the years to come.