Prior to his current position, Stephan held a dual role as CFO EMEA and Personnel Director, Germany, for TQ3 Travel Solutions Management Holding GmbH.

His career includes wide experience in the telecommunications and petrochemical sectors. In 1999, Stephan became a member of the executive board of Deutsche Tiefbohr AG (worldwide drilling services), based at Bad Bentheim, where he was responsible for Finance, Accounting, Controlling, Personnel, Purchasing and IT.

In 2002 he was made a member of the managing board of Preussag Energie GmbH in Lingen, today Gaz de France Exploration Produktion Deutschland GmbH (production and marketing of petroleum and natural gas). As commercial managing director and personnel director, Stephan was responsible for Finance and Accounting, Controlling, Personnel, IT, Organisation and Project Management.