Leading Through Complexity: An Interview with Hanno Bruemmer
EVP, Head of Supply Chain & Logistics for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America (EMLA) at Covestro
With a career spanning research, manufacturing, and now supply chain leadership, Hanno Bruemmer serves as EVP, Head of Supply Chain & Logistics for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America (EMLA) at Covestro. In this interview, Hanno shares lessons from a fast-changing world, the importance of resilience and digital tools, and what it takes to lead transformation across a highly regulated industry.
How did you get into your current role?
I began my career as a chemist in research and then moved into production and technology, where I spent 20 years across various global locations. I ultimately led the global manufacturing network for Covestro’s largest business. In 2021, Covestro restructured, expanding the scope of Supply Chain to include Logistics, and I took on the role of leading this new function for the EMLA region.
What is your current role and responsibilities?
I’m responsible for a broad portfolio that includes customer service, transport management, logistics procurement, logistics operations on and off-site, customs and trade compliance, and credit management across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
How does a typical workday look for you?
There’s rarely a typical day. Being a morning person, I often handle emails and urgent tasks early, whether in the office or while traveling. My days are filled with meetings, supplier or customer engagements, and site visits. Flexibility is essential.
What are some lessons you learned from the pandemic?
The pandemic reinforced the need for resilient networks and agile operations. It also highlighted the importance of managing both day-to-day execution and long-term strategy with equal focus. On a positive note, we’ve become much more thoughtful about how we meet—choosing virtual formats for information sharing and in-person sessions for collaboration and brainstorming.
What are the biggest challenges in your current position?
The lack of stability in today’s global chemical supply chains is the biggest challenge. Disruptions stem from material shortages, logistics constraints, and shifting regulations. Our supply chain depends on highly specialized manufacturing, limited carrier options, and strict compliance demands. Smart, agile solutions are essential, especially in such a cost-sensitive market.
What technologies are you most excited about right now?
We’re seeing real value from generative AI, which improves how we handle transactional tasks and provides fast, reliable information. We’re exploring digital twins to simulate and optimize our delivery networks. Both are powerful tools for managing complexity while maintaining cost efficiency.
How do you prioritize sustainability and ethics?
At Covestro, safety and compliance are non-negotiable—for us and for our partners. Sustainability is embedded throughout our company, with clear targets for emissions and carbon footprint. It’s not just a priority—it’s part of how we operate and how we measure progress.
How do you stay updated with industry trends?
We work closely with internal technologists to monitor innovation. Externally, we stay connected through industry associations like BDI, VCI, and BVL, as well as conferences, publications, and trade fairs.
What skills do supply chain executives need most right now?
The ability to lead through change. Executives must combine deep operational knowledge with a vision for long-term transformation. Communication and adaptability are crucial, along with the ability to manage change across all levels of the organization.
What trends will shape the future of the profession?
Digitization, including AI, will continue to transform how we execute, simulate, and manage the supply chain. Roles will become broader, requiring digital fluency across the team. Employees who can solve problems and implement smart, scalable solutions will be the ones to watch.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in supply chain?
Master the fundamentals, learn to use digital tools with confidence, and practice cross-functional collaboration and communication. Agility and leadership are just as important as technical skills in this field.
Hanno Bruemmer is EVP, Head of Supply Chain & Logistics EMLA at Covestro, leading transformation across customer service, logistics, and trade functions in one of the world’s most complex industrial regions.
Connect with him on LinkedIn to follow his insights on global supply chain leadership.
 | A guest post by
|