Since August 2022, Almuth Steinkühler has held the position of CFO at SCHOTT Pharma, a company specializing in creating drug containment and delivery systems for pharmaceutical and biotechnology enterprises. Previously part of Schott AG, SCHOTT Pharma became publicly traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 2023. With prior experience at ThyssenKrupp and Continental AG, Steinkühler discusses her role as a financial leader in navigating the complexities of becoming a public entity. She highlights three key phases: establishing SCHOTT Pharma as an independent organization, managing its initial public offering (IPO), and ensuring sustained growth post-listing. Her focus has been on investor relations, internal change management, and building a capable team while contemplating the potential of artificial intelligence in finance.

In reflecting on her tenure thus far, Steinkühler emphasizes the pivotal nature of establishing SCHOTT Pharma as an autonomous entity. This involved developing processes, structures, and departments that would underpin the company's success. Once this foundation was laid, she turned her attention to the IPO process, which required not only securing investor support but also fostering alignment among employees regarding the transition to a publicly listed firm. The culmination of these efforts resulted in a successful IPO, marking a significant milestone for SCHOTT Pharma.

Post-IPO, Steinkühler’s primary challenge has shifted to sustaining robust growth amidst challenging market conditions. Achieving margin expansion while maintaining operational efficiency is crucial in this phase. Over the past year, much of her energy has been directed toward consolidating SCHOTT Pharma's position as a public company. This includes communicating effectively with investors about the company's strategic direction and ensuring internal teams are aligned with the new dynamics of being publicly traded.

A critical component of Steinkühler's leadership philosophy centers around assembling a top-tier team. She believes that hiring individuals with the right attitude—those who possess ambition and a results-oriented mindset—is essential. Trust plays a vital role here; by empowering team members to utilize their expertise and take responsibility, Steinkühler fosters an environment conducive to achieving consistent outcomes. At SCHOTT Pharma, such a culture of commitment and dedication contributes significantly to the company's achievements.

Looking ahead, Steinkühler envisions artificial intelligence playing a transformative role in the realm of finance. AI's capacity to analyze large datasets and provide accessible insights holds immense promise. By enabling broader audiences to engage meaningfully with data, AI can enhance creativity and broaden understanding within the financial sector. However, safeguarding data ownership and security remains paramount as the technology evolves.

Nighttime reflections for Steinkühler revolve around ensuring SCHOTT Pharma's continued prosperity and upholding investor confidence. Despite challenges posed by the market landscape, she remains optimistic about the company's future prospects. Positioned favorably within a thriving industry characterized by strong trends, SCHOTT Pharma is poised to execute its strategic vision effectively.