Volker Eckhoff

International Commercial Leader | Trader | Growth Architect | Multi-Industry

Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

About

For more than 20 years, I have been building and scaling international commercial operations across Europe and EMEA — from premium branded industries to industrial and commodity markets. My core expertise lies in transforming commercial structures into growth engines: opening subsidiaries, structuring multi-country distribution networks, negotiating strategic contracts and accelerating revenue performance in competitive and regulated environments. I have managed turnovers up to $35M+, led multicultural teams across Europe and delivered measurable growth through market expansion, portfolio diversification and disciplined execution. Most recently, in international steel trading (Descours & Cabaud Group), I doubled my portfolio within 12 months (x2.5), managing 50 kt annual volume (€42M), navigating complex pricing dynamics, regulatory frameworks (CBAM, quotas, AD) and global supply chains. What differentiates me: • Strategic vision combined with operational execution • Ability to scale businesses across borders • High-level negotiation in multi-cultural environments • Alignment of sales, marketing and supply chain to drive sustainable profitability • Entrepreneurial mindset within structured organizations I thrive in environments where growth, transformation and international expansion are strategic priorities. Languages: German (native), English & French (fluent)

Experience

  • International Steel Trader (EMEA, Middle East, Asia) at Misetal – Descours & Cabaud | Lyon, France
    2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    Part of the Descours & Cabaud, Misetal is an international steel trading entity specializing in flat and long products, serving European and global markets with a strong focus on sourcing, logistics and regulatory compliance.

  • Brand, Sales & Business Development Manager at Independent Consultant | Annecy, France
    2021 - 2023 · 2 yrs

    Advisory activity supporting international outdoor brands in market entry, distribution structuring and commercial development across Europe, with a focus on growth acceleration and brand positioning.

  • Project Manager – Strategic Development at Cycles Lapierre – Accell Group | Dijon, France
    2021 - 2021 · Less than a year

    Accell Group subsidiary and leading European bicycle manufacturer, Cycles Lapierre designs and distributes premium bikes through an extensive retail and dealer network.

  • Director Operations & Business Development Europe at Rheinsport | Cologne, Germany
    2018 - 2021 · 3 yrs

    International sales and brand activation agency specialized in sports and lifestyle industries, delivering retail execution, field marketing and large-scale commercial operations across Europe.

  • International Business Development Consultant at e6 Consulting | Annecy, France
    2015 - 2018 · 3 yrs

    International business development consultancy supporting companies in market expansion, investment sourcing, distribution agreements and operational setup across Europe and emerging markets.