About Deutsche Telekom's New Corporate Responsibility Lead

Robert Metzke has been the Global Head of Sustainability for Philips since 2017 and has led the company’s ESG and sustainability efforts.

He is moving on to a new challenge to lead sustainability at Deutsche Telekom, which owns and operates T-Mobile.

Robert Metzke will take over from Melanie Kubin-Hardewig, who is currently the Head of Group Corporate Responsibility at Deutsche Telekom.

Robert Metzke’s career so far

Robert started his career in 1999 as the Managing Editor for online journal Science’s Next Wave.

He joined Philips in 2008 as the Senior Director of the company’s EcoVision Programme which he led until 2013.

The programme aimed to improve the energy efficiency of Philips products and close the materials loop by recycling and reusing products.

He went on to work in Philips’ Strategy Management team, which involved identifying strategic challenges and strengthening the strategy network across the company’s businesses and markets.

Robert’s legacy at Philips

In 2017, Robert became Vice President, Global Head of Sustainability at Philips before taking the role of Senior Vice President in 2022.

In this position, he was responsible for the development and implementation of ESG and sustainability goals and policies.

He led the company’s environmental priorities in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and made progress towards a circular economy through maximising the lifetime value of products.

His work ensured that Philips became a global leader in sustainable health technology.

Robert Metzke said on LinkedIn: “To my colleagues, mentors and friends at Philips: thank you.

“You’ve challenged me, supported me, and made this journey unforgettable.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built together - and I’m excited to carry these learnings forward.”

About Deutsche Telekom

The telecommunications company serves more than 261 million mobile customers in more than 50 countries globally.

It is committed to prioritising environmental and social responsibility across its value chain by working towards a circular economy and focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion.

It has launched GreenMagenta and GoodMagenta labels which award its products and services for making a positive contribution to climate and resource conservation and social challenges.

For GreenMagenta labelled products in particular, there is a focus on promoting a circular economy and reducing carbon emissions.

This includes many of Deutsche Telekom’s products which are plastic-free, helping consumers prioritise their environmental footprint.

The company also is aiming to reduce its carbon emissions through its climate protection strategy.

It has set itself the goal of becoming one of the world’s leading sustainable telecommunications companies by aiming for net zero emissions across the entire value chain by 2040.

By the end of 2025, it aims to become climate-neutral in terms of its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by reducing emissions from its operations and offset the remaining emissions with techniques such as reforestation.

“Now, I take a deep breath and look ahead,” Robert says.

“A new adventure begins, and I’m ready to again listen, learn, push boundaries, asking tough questions, and building bridges to ensure the innovation power of large companies serves society and respects planetary boundaries.”