Michael Rohde

Background

About Michael Rohde

Dr. Michael Rohde is a seasoned chemist and strategic business leader with over 15 years of experience in battery technology. Passionate about advancing sustainable energy solutions, he drives innovation to make batteries more efficient, scalable, and globally accessible. As Director Global Marketing Batteries at Orion Engineered Carbons, he leads a cross-functional international team and oversees global commercial and technical marketing strategies. His scope includes B2B business development, strategic planning, portfolio management, and customer engagement across regions. Under his leadership, Orion achieved significant revenue and market share growth in battery materials, successfully launching a global line of conductive carbon blacks. He was also the initiator of a €13 million EU-funded HiQ-CARB project (2020-2025), which was awarded the prestigious EIT Award in 2024. He also holds several patents and led the successful integration and development of a new production site acquired in 2018. Known for his ability to operate at the intersection of science, strategy, and execution, Dr. Rohde plays a pivotal leadership role that goes far beyond traditional marketing. In a lean, high-impact organizational environment, he combines technical expertise, business acumen, and cross-functional leadership — bridging R&D, plant operations, product portfolio management, and global customer engagement.