01.10.2026 | Press Release

HGK sets the course for growth and resilience

Alexander Garbar becomes COO Infrastructure & Suprastructure; Günter-Friedrich Maas becomes COO Contract Logistics • New management structure strengthens integrated logistics and infrastructure expertise along the Rhine corridor

Cologne. The HGK Group is reorganising its management structure with effect from 1 October 2026. It is strengthening the integrated management of its logistics operations and the further development of its infrastructure and superstructure activities, whilst setting the course for further international growth.

With this reorganisation, HGK is responding to a dynamic market environment, changing flows of goods and increasing demands for resilient, sustainable and efficient supply chains. The aim is to integrate HGK’s areas of expertise more closely, shorten decision-making processes and provide even more comprehensive support to customers throughout their transport and value chains. On 1 October 2026, Alexander Garbar and Günter-Friedrich Maas, two experienced leaders, will assume the role of COO within the new management structure.

The HGK Executive Board, comprising CEO Steffen Bauer and CFO Susanne Pietsch, is reorganising the logistics group.

“With the new management structure, we are laying the foundations for the next phase of HGK’s development. Our aim is to develop HGK into an even more integrated, resilient and technology-driven logistics group. We intend to expand our position as a leading intermodal logistics provider along the Rhine corridor, strengthen Cologne’s role as an international hub and efficient gateway to seaports, whilst at the same time tapping into new potential along our customers’ value chains,” explains Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK AG.

As a strategic holding company, HGK AG will focus in future on the overarching management and further development of the HGK Group. The Executive Board, with Steffen Bauer as CEO and Susanne Pietsch as CFO, is responsible for the group-wide strategy, portfolio development and the central framework conditions for the individual companies.

Our aim is to develop HGK into an even more integrated, resilient and technology-driven logistics group.

Steffen Bauer, Chief Executive of HGK AG

Below the strategic holding company, operational activities are organised into two divisions: Integrated Logistics and Infra- and Suprastructure.This structure forms the basis for a market- and performance-oriented organisation with clear lines of responsibility. It strengthens cooperation within the HGK Group and enables the integrated management of business activities.

Integrated Logistics Division

The Integrated Logistics division brings together the three strategic business segments: Transport Solutions, Contract Logistics Solutions and Intermodal Solutions. This includes, in particular, expertise in shipping, rail freight transport, intermodality, terminals, warehousing, contract logistics and overseas and seaport operations.

The Integrated Logistics division is managed by a Management Board. Alongside the three COOs of the strategic business segments, Markus Krämer, as CCO, is responsible for the market- and customer-oriented management of the division. Christian Möhrmann, as Senior Vice President (SVP) Finance, is responsible for the financial management and performance monitoring of the division. Tim Gödde, as SVP Technical Services, takes on responsibility for technical services and their further development.

Günter-Friedrich Maas takes on the role of COO Contract Logistics and, on an interim basis, the position of COO Intermodal Solutions. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the international transport and logistics sector. He has held various management positions at renowned international logistics companies, including VTG, Hoyer, Rhenus, Imperial and Boasso. In these roles, he has strategically developed and positioned companies and business units for the future in areas such as rail, tank container, chemical and industrial logistics.

Reorganising the HGK: Christian Möhrmann (from left to right), Günter-Friedrich Maas, Tim Gödde, Alexander Garbar, Markus Krämer

Infrastructure and Superstructure Division

The Infra- and Suprastructure Division comprises the Ports, Real Estate, Network and Locomotive Workshop sectors. It forms the infrastructural foundation for HGK’s logistics business and is, at the same time, closely linked to Cologne and the wider region, as well as to HGK’s public service remit and infrastructure responsibilities as a municipally-owned company.

On 1 October 2026, Alexander Garbar will take up the role of COO of Infra- and Suprastructure. In this role, he will be responsible for the strategic and operational development of these four pillars, with a focus on the Cologne location. Alexander Garbar has many years’ experience in port development, infrastructure and logistics. As a proven strategist, he has helped shape and further develop the structures of the Port of Duisburg over many years.

Strategic objectives: resilient, intermodal and forward-looking

With its new management structure, HGK is laying the organisational foundations for its strategic development. The focus is on making supply chains more resilient through the targeted development of assets, as well as infrastructure and superstructure. At the same time, HGK will expand its position as a leading intermodal logistics partner along the Rhine – by integrating rail, waterway and terminal operations, and by developing Cologne into an efficient hinterland hub and an international logistics centre.

Furthermore, business opportunities along the customers’ value chain – particularly in warehousing and value-added services – are to be systematically exploited. HGK will play an active role in shaping the energy transition towards sustainable and decarbonised solutions, including in the fields of hydrogen and CO₂. At the same time, the group will accelerate its digital development and position itself as an AI-supported, internationally competitive logistics group.

“Regionally rooted, internationally positioned and organised for the future – this guiding principle links HGK’s public mandate with its ambition to develop competitive and sustainable solutions for customers and partners as an integrated logistics group,” says Steffen Bauer.