Dr.-Ing. Stephan van Aaken

CCO Technology Officer @Uniper | Leading Innovation in Trading

Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

About

I believe technology often makes the difference between companies that move forward and those that stand still. It only works when technology is part of how the business actually runs, not an island on its own. In my current role as CCO Technology Officer, I lead teams that connect business and technology. My focus is on building clear structures that help people collaborate, take responsibility, and deliver measurable commercial impact. I’ve worked across trading, asset management, and technology for many years. What I’ve seen is that real progress happens when people understand both the technical and the commercial side — and when systems are built to support everyday decisions, not to sit on the sidelines. With a background in engineering and management, I like to keep things practical — combining technical understanding with a clear view of how organizations work. I’m motivated by making complex systems run smoothly and by helping teams grow while doing so.

Experience

  • Uniper (Full-time · 9 yrs 8 mos)
    • CCO Technology Officer
      Dec 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

      Leading Uniper’s technology transformation to drive commercial success in trading. Established a centralized, agile technology organization, aligning initiatives with trading objectives. Implementing a continuously evolving roadmap featuring AI, advanced analytics, and automation to enable data-driven decisions.

    • Senior Vice President Digital Trading Development and Operations
      Feb 2020 - Dec 2023 · 3 yrs 11 mos

      Founded and scaled Uniper’s Digital Trading Department to pioneer algorithmic trading within Uniper. Partnered with trading desks to develop innovative strategies, significantly enhancing profitability.

    • Vice President for Digital Transformation of Assets
      Dec 2016 - Mar 2020 · 3 yrs 4 mos

      Drove Uniper's asset digitalization program, aligning asset management processes with trading strategies. Implemented scalable solutions leveraging IIOT, cloud, and ERP technologies, delivering sustainable cost savings, including a 16% CAPEX reduction.

  • E.ON (6 yrs 6 mos)
    • Head of Asset Information
      Sep 2014 - Dec 2016 · 2 yrs 4 mos

      Built and managed commercial teams to optimize plant operations and trading collaboration. Led digitalization initiatives in Asset Management, driving efficiency and delivering significant EBIT improvements.

    • Head of Asset Power Market Risk
      Nov 2011 - Sep 2014 · 2 yrs 11 mos

      Founded and led a market risk team managing power asset portfolios across Nordic, UK, and Continental European markets. Implemented effective risk management strategies to ensure portfolio stability and performance.

    • IT Project Manager
      Jul 2010 - Nov 2011 · 1 yr 5 mos

      Led international integration and change projects within E.ON's trading unit, ensuring seamless business alignment and execution.

  • Managing Consultant at IBM Global Business Services
    Sep 2006 - Jul 2010 · 3 yrs 11 mos

    Delivered complex transformation projects across Europe, acting as a trusted program manager and workstream leader for multinational clients.

  • Research Assistant at RWTH Aachen University
    Oct 2002 - Jan 2006 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    Led a research group on wind turbine vibrations and developed innovative simulation software to enhance engineering analysis capabilities.

  • Student Internship at Freightliner LLC
    Apr 2000 - Aug 2000 · 5 mos

    Internship in the “Advanced Documentation Project” department