Dr. Steve P. Döring: Designated CEO

Next development step at enespa: With an experienced CEO into the future of the circular economy

Change at the top marks the end of the development phase

Enespa AG, headquartered in Appenzell, is undergoing a strategic realignment. Steve Döring joined the company on March 1, 2026, and is gradually familiarizing himself with the role of Chief Executive Officer. He is scheduled to officially assume the position of CEO on June 1, 2026. Döring succeeds company founder Cyrill Hugi, who will continue to play a key role in enespa as active Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The long-planned change in leadership marks another significant chapter in the company's history – following the completion of enespa's development phase, which was largely shaped by Hugi's vision and work, the company, under new leadership, now focuses on developing into an operationally strong player in the field of advanced recycling of plastic waste.

The new leadership – Steve Döring and his mission

Steve Döring, who holds a doctorate in chemistry, brings many years of industrial experience from the recycling industry, ideally combining technical know-how with management skills. Most recently, Döring served as CEO of APK AG, an innovative recycling company for complex plastic waste based in Merseburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and oversaw its sale to LyondellBasell.

In his new role as enespa CEO, Döring will shape the company's next phase of development – ​​the operational implementation and scaling of existing business models, as well as expansion into new business areas and markets. The focus will be on the transformation from a research-driven technology company to an industrially scalable provider of advanced recycling solutions. This involves transferring the technological know-how built up over years into marketable, economically viable systems.

The goal: To provide impetus for enespa to take the step from a technology and development company to a fully-fledged industrial enterprise in the field of chemical recycling.

What appeals to me about enespa is the unique combination of engineering expertise and environmental responsibility. Here, we have the opportunity to transfer a technology into everyday industrial practice – and thus demonstrate that the circular economy is not a vision, but a reality.

Dr. Steve Döring, future CEO of enespa ag

Strategic alignment – ​​impactful growth

 

Under the new leadership, enespa will focus more strongly on the following core areas:

  • Technology transfer & scaling: Modularity and energy efficiency remain key parameters.
  • Market entry & partnerships: Cooperation with industry, research and international partners opens up new markets and applications.
  • Circular economy in practice: Plastic waste – especially materials that are difficult to recycle – is kept in the value chain through advanced recycling instead of being sent for thermal recycling.
  • Sustainability & Vision: The goal remains ambitious and necessary – a world without plastic waste, where economic efficiency and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

The step forward – handover, continuity and new beginnings

With this change at the top, enespa is creating both continuity and a new beginning: Cyrill Hugi remains closely connected to enespa as active Chairman of the Board, ensuring that the strategic foundation and company values ​​are preserved. At the same time, Steve Döring, an experienced practitioner, is being brought into the top position and will work together with the existing enespa management team to further drive the company's operational transformation.
Dr. Steve Döring, CEO of enespa ag from June 1, 2026, with Chairman of the Board and current CEO Cyrill Hugi (from left)

I am proud of what we have built with enespa over the past few years – from a vision to tangible technology. Now is the right time to hand over operational leadership to experienced hands. With Steve Döring, enespa gains a CEO who shares our values ​​and also brings the experience to lead the company into its next phase of growth.

Cyrill Hugi, founder and chairman of the board of directors, enespa ag

This step reflects the company's self-image as not only a pioneer in recycling technologies, but also as taking the next step towards market maturity and growth.

About enespa – From idea to industrialization

enespa is an internationally active company in the circular economy. Its core competence lies in the development, construction, and operation of modular, energy-efficient recycling plants for plastic waste and oil refining. With locations in Switzerland, Germany, and the USA, enespa pursues a clear vision: a world without plastic waste.

From idea to industrial implementation, the company has developed into an environmental technology provider with its own research and development, which translates theoretical knowledge into real added value – exactly what the new CEO Steve Döring will now continue to drive forward.

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