At iron, we work with conviction – for honest advice, clear communication and sustainable solutions. Our interdisciplinary team combines expertise, experience and passion to successfully manage the expectations of your stakeholders.
Team iron
Fabian Kirchmann
Co-Founder, Management Board Member
Fabian Kirchmann
Co-Founder, Management Board Member
"Good communication is the fuel for strategic implementation."
For more than two decades, Fabian has been supporting companies through challenging phases of business development – as a consultant, sparring partner, interim manager and co-thinker. He studied business administration at the University of Regensburg and at Audencia Grande École de Management in Nantes. Fabian entered the field of investor relations through his first job at the former DAX-listed company Mannesmann AG, where he was part of the defence team in one of the most spectacular takeover battles in German economic history. At the end of 2000, he took the leap into self-employment as Co-Founder of IR.on AG.
At iron, Fabian is responsible for the strategic development of the company as a Member of the Management Board and handles complex client projects such as IPOs, bond issues and crisis situations.
He also serves as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of kplan AG and is a Member of the Management Board of his parents' foundation, "Main dans la Main – Stiftung Kirchmann für Afrika," which supports health and education projects in West Africa.
In his private life, Fabian is often drawn to nature – preferably high up in the mountains. Whether it's the Himalayas, the Alps or the Eifel, the main thing is to scramble.
Fabian's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Arranger • Achiever • Communication • Individualisation • Positivity
For more than two decades, Fabian has been supporting companies through challenging phases of business development – as a consultant, sparring partner, interim manager and co-thinker. He studied business administration at the University of Regensburg and at Audencia Grande École de Management in Nantes. Fabian entered the field of investor relations through his first job at the former DAX-listed company Mannesmann AG, where he was part of the defence team in one of the most spectacular takeover battles in German economic history. At the end of 2000, he took the leap into self-employment as Co-Founder of IR.on AG.
At iron, Fabian is responsible for the strategic development of the company as a Member of the Management Board and handles complex client projects such as IPOs, bond issues and crisis situations.
He also serves as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of kplan AG and is a Member of the Management Board of his parents' foundation, "Main dans la Main – Stiftung Kirchmann für Afrika," which supports health and education projects in West Africa.
In his private life, Fabian is often drawn to nature – preferably high up in the mountains. Whether it's the Himalayas, the Alps or the Eifel, the main thing is to scramble.
Fabian's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Arranger • Achiever • Communication • Individualisation • Positivity
Anna-Lena Mayer
Head of Sustainability & ESG
Anna-Lena Mayer
Head of Sustainability & ESG
"If you want to make a sustainable difference, you need perseverance, direction – and the courage to get started."
Anna-Lena began her career in 2015 as a Consultant for Investor Relations and Financial Communications before helping to establish the Sustainability & ESG division at iron. She holds a master's degree in public relations & corporate communications with an additional focus on corporate finance. She completed her studies at the private Business and Information Technology School Iserlohn, the University of Stirling and the Universidad Europea de Madrid.
At iron, Anna-Lena is Head of Sustainability & ESG, responsible for developing the business unit and helping companies find their way through the jungle of sustainability and regulatory requirements. She is particularly passionate about supporting companies in developing their sustainability strategies.
In her free time, Anna-Lena is very much into sports. She is particularly fond of running: whether it's the Brockenlauf with 900 metres of elevation gain or the Cologne Marathon – challenges are there to be tackled. To relax, she likes to spend her evenings with friends enjoying good wine and delicious food at her favourite Italian restaurant in her hometown of Münster.
Anna-Lena's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Achiever • Harmony • Focus • Communication • Maximizer
Anna-Lena began her career in 2015 as a Consultant for Investor Relations and Financial Communications before helping to establish the Sustainability & ESG division at iron. She holds a master's degree in public relations & corporate communications with an additional focus on corporate finance. She completed her studies at the private Business and Information Technology School Iserlohn, the University of Stirling and the Universidad Europea de Madrid.
At iron, Anna-Lena is Head of Sustainability & ESG, responsible for developing the business unit and helping companies find their way through the jungle of sustainability and regulatory requirements. She is particularly passionate about supporting companies in developing their sustainability strategies.
In her free time, Anna-Lena is very much into sports. She is particularly fond of running: whether it's the Brockenlauf with 900 metres of elevation gain or the Cologne Marathon – challenges are there to be tackled. To relax, she likes to spend her evenings with friends enjoying good wine and delicious food at her favourite Italian restaurant in her hometown of Münster.
Anna-Lena's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Achiever • Harmony • Focus • Communication • Maximizer
Florian Kirchmann
Head of Operations
Florian Kirchmann
Head of Operations
"Genuine consultancy is based on a change of perspective and honest analysis – not complacency."
Florian has been supporting companies in the field of investor relations and financial communications for over a decade. He completed his studies in political science at the University of Cologne with a Master of Arts degree. He started his professional career as a press spokesman for a district in Baden-Württemberg and in a PR agency. Further positions took him into the association and media industry as well as a municipal planning office.
As Head of Operations, he is responsible for the continuous optimisation of processes, infrastructure and IT within the company. With his wealth of experience, he also contributes significantly to the success of our client projects – for example, in transactions, regulatory matters or the establishment of modern digital communication. As a member of the "AG Digital" working group of DIRK – the German Investor Relations Association – he also keeps his finger on the pulse of current developments in the IR industry.
Florian loves interacting with people. That's why he enjoys spending time with family and friends, loves music, team sports and socialising. He is always on the lookout for new perspectives.
Florian's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Communication • Woo • Individualisation • Positivity • Input
Florian has been supporting companies in the field of investor relations and financial communications for over a decade. He completed his studies in political science at the University of Cologne with a Master of Arts degree. He started his professional career as a press spokesman for a district in Baden-Württemberg and in a PR agency. Further positions took him into the association and media industry as well as a municipal planning office.
As Head of Operations, he is responsible for the continuous optimisation of processes, infrastructure and IT within the company. With his wealth of experience, he also contributes significantly to the success of our client projects – for example, in transactions, regulatory matters or the establishment of modern digital communication. As a member of the "AG Digital" working group of DIRK – the German Investor Relations Association – he also keeps his finger on the pulse of current developments in the IR industry.
Florian loves interacting with people. That's why he enjoys spending time with family and friends, loves music, team sports and socialising. He is always on the lookout for new perspectives.
Florian's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Communication • Woo • Individualisation • Positivity • Input
Dariusch Manssuri
Co-Partner, Management Board Member
Dariusch Manssuri
Co-Partner, Management Board Member
"Trust is the sum of all promises kept."
For more than two decades, Dariusch has been guiding companies through challenging phases of business development – as a strategic advisor, professional communicator and reliable sparring partner. He began his professional career with a training as a bank clerk, followed by business studies at the University of Cologne and Babson College in Boston.
As a Member of the Management Board and Co-Partner at iron, Dariusch is responsible for the strategic development of the company, controlling and human resources management. He also advises on challenging client projects, including IPOs, bond issues and crisis situations and supports clients with reporting matters. In doing so, he always attaches great importance to maintaining close relationships with his business partners and team members, characterised by openness, reliability and trust.
Away from his everyday professional life, he is drawn to faraway places – always in search of new perspectives, inspiring encounters and unknown flavours. And when his wanderlust takes a break, his home kitchen becomes a testing ground for culinary discoveries.
Dariusch's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Learner • Responsibility • Achiever • Relator • Focus
For more than two decades, Dariusch has been guiding companies through challenging phases of business development – as a strategic advisor, professional communicator and reliable sparring partner. He began his professional career with a training as a bank clerk, followed by business studies at the University of Cologne and Babson College in Boston.
As a Member of the Management Board and Co-Partner at iron, Dariusch is responsible for the strategic development of the company, controlling and human resources management. He also advises on challenging client projects, including IPOs, bond issues and crisis situations and supports clients with reporting matters. In doing so, he always attaches great importance to maintaining close relationships with his business partners and team members, characterised by openness, reliability and trust.
Abseits des beruflichen Alltags zieht es ihn in die Ferne – stets auf der Suche nach neuen Perspektiven, inspirierenden Begegnungen und unbekannten Aromen. Und wenn das Fernweh einmal Pause macht, wird die heimische Küche zum Experimentierfeld für kulinarische Entdeckungen.
Dariusch's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Learner • Responsibility • Achiever • Relator • Focus
"Trust is the sum of all promises kept."
Frederic Hilke
Head of Finanzkommunikation & Investor Relations
Frederic Hilke
Head of Finanzkommunikation & Investor Relations
"Investor relations requires clarity, the right timing – and empathy."
Frederic has been a consultant at iron since 2016. Prior to that, he gained valuable experience in strategy development and commercial due diligence projects. He studied business administration at the University of Cologne, RWTH Aachen University and Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Canada. He is also a trained banker.
He discovered his passion for IR as a working student at iron. Since 2022, he has been Head of Financial Communications & Investor Relations, advising companies on all aspects of capital market communications – from mandatory to voluntary. Since 2016, he has been supporting listed companies and bond issuers in their ongoing investor relations work and helping German and international clients to place their messages accurately in the capital market.
What sets him apart? A strong sense of fairness, communicative strength, a keen sense of people – and the desire to work together to find good solutions. These are qualities that he brings not only to his everyday project work, but also to Cologne, his second home. Here, he can regularly be found meeting up with friends, playing sports or at the stadium watching FC Cologne. There, he practises a strength that is also helpful in project business: the ability to endure hardship with dignity.
Frederic's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Consistency • Communication • Developer • Harmony • Positivity
Frederic has been a consultant at iron since 2016. Prior to that, he gained valuable experience in strategy development and commercial due diligence projects. He studied business administration at the University of Cologne, RWTH Aachen University and Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Canada. He is also a trained banker.
He discovered his passion for IR as a working student at iron. Since 2022, he has been Head of Financial Communications & Investor Relations, advising companies on all aspects of capital market communications – from mandatory to voluntary. Since 2016, he has been supporting listed companies and bond issuers in their ongoing investor relations work and helping German and international clients to place their messages accurately in the capital market.
What sets him apart? A strong sense of fairness, communicative strength, a keen sense of people – and the desire to work together to find good solutions. These are qualities that he brings not only to his everyday project work, but also to Cologne, his second home. Here, he can regularly be found meeting up with friends, playing sports or at the stadium watching FC Cologne. There, he practises a strength that is also helpful in project business: the ability to endure hardship with dignity.
Frederic's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Consistency • Communication • Developer • Harmony • Positivity
Sara Persiel
Office Manager
Sara Persiel
Office Manager
"We cannot predict the future, but we can shape it."
Sara has been supporting the iron team as Office Manager since 2021 and acts as a central link between the team and our clients. She coordinates the smooth running of office processes such as scheduling, resource management and event planning. She is also responsible for preparing the accounts and human resources.
Previously, she worked in the hotel and event management industry for over 16 years, gaining extensive experience in various assistant positions at different locations. Sara completed her training as a hotel manager in Düsseldorf and then graduated from the Heidelberg Hotel Management School with a degree in hotel management.
When Sara isn't busy with planning, she spends her free time in her adopted home of Cologne with her family, baking or playing sports. She loves good food and enjoyable evenings with friends.
Sara's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Discipline • Consistency • Restorative • Empathy • Developer
Sara has been supporting the iron team as Office Manager since 2021 and acts as a central link between the team and our clients. She coordinates the smooth running of office processes such as scheduling, resource management and event planning. She is also responsible for preparing the accounts and human resources.
Previously, she worked in the hotel and event management industry for over 16 years, gaining extensive experience in various assistant positions at different locations. Sara completed her training as a hotel manager in Düsseldorf and then graduated from the Heidelberg Hotel Management School with a degree in hotel management.
When Sara isn't busy with planning, she spends her free time in her adopted home of Cologne with her family, baking or playing sports. She loves good food and enjoyable evenings with friends.
Sara's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Discipline • Consistency • Restorative • Empathy • Developer
Steven Rohles
Senior Berater für Nachhaltigkeitskommunikation & ESG
Steven Rohles
Senior Berater für Nachhaltigkeitskommunikation & ESG
"The biggest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."
Steven brings with him in-depth expertise from the world of ESG. After completing a dual degree in business administration at adidas and a master's degree in sustainable development at HEC Montréal, he gained extensive experience as an analyst and product owner at a Franco-Canadian ESG rating agency. There, he developed a deep understanding of the complex requirements of sustainability reporting, international standards and the multi-layered aspects of sustainable finance. His analytical mindset and experience in product strategy make him a valuable partner for our clients.
As a Consultant for Sustainability Communication & ESG, Steven supports our clients in developing their sustainability strategies and accompanies them from the initial assessment to the implementation of reporting processes and the integration of ESG factors into their business activities. He brings both technical expertise and practical implementation experience to the table.
Steven is an avid tennis player and sports enthusiast. He finds this to be the perfect balance to his everyday work. Music is another great passion of his: as an active choir member, he appreciates the harmony of singing together.
Steven's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Arranger • Achiever • Relator • Empathy • Context
Steven brings with him in-depth expertise from the world of ESG. After completing a dual degree in business administration at adidas and a master's degree in sustainable development at HEC Montréal, he gained extensive experience as an analyst and product owner at a Franco-Canadian ESG rating agency. There, he developed a deep understanding of the complex requirements of sustainability reporting, international standards and the multi-layered aspects of sustainable finance. His analytical mindset and experience in product strategy make him a valuable partner for our clients.
As a Consultant for Sustainability Communication & ESG, Steven supports our clients in developing their sustainability strategies and accompanies them from the initial assessment to the implementation of reporting processes and the integration of ESG factors into their business activities. He brings both technical expertise and practical implementation experience to the table.
Steven is an avid tennis player and sports enthusiast. He finds this to be the perfect balance to his everyday work. Music is another great passion of his: as an active choir member, he appreciates the harmony of singing together.
Steven's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Arranger • Achiever • Relator • Empathy • Context
Jonas Schneider
Senior Consultant
Jonas Schneider
Senior Consultant
"Figures are only convincing once you understand what they mean – for the company, for the market and for investors."
Since 2022, Jonas has been advising companies on the capital market as an investor relations consultant – in areas such as financial reporting, transactions and restructuring. He laid his legal foundation by studying business law. He is currently deepening his knowledge in the field of corporate finance with a master's degree at the French EDHEC Business School.
At iron, his focus is on communicating complex issues in an understandable way – with an analytical eye, clear language and pragmatic implementation. After all, the capital market is not just about numbers, but about directing capital to where it creates the future: in innovation, change and entrepreneurial strength.
In his private life, Jonas finds balance in nature and cooking. He enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Jonas' top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Learner • Achiever • Analytical • Competition • Relator
Since 2022, Jonas has been advising companies on the capital market as an investor relations consultant – in areas such as financial reporting, transactions and restructuring. He laid his legal foundation by studying business law. He is currently deepening his knowledge in the field of corporate finance with a master's degree at the French EDHEC Business School.
At iron, his focus is on communicating complex issues in an understandable way – with an analytical eye, clear language and pragmatic implementation. After all, the capital market is not just about numbers, but about directing capital to where it creates the future: in innovation, change and entrepreneurial strength.
In his private life, Jonas finds balance in nature and cooking. He enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Jonas' top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Learner • Achiever • Analytical • Competition • Relator
Karolin Bistrovic
Senior Consultant
Karolin Bistrovic
Senior Consultant
"Transforming complexity into clarity and challenges into practical solutions – that's what motivates me and adds value for our clients."
Karolin has been working as a Senior Consultant at iron AG since 2022, supporting listed companies and bond issuers in their daily investor relations work.
Before joining iron, she worked for a listed financial services provider, where she was responsible for day-to-day investor relations. There, she was also closely involved in the financial restructuring process as part of a self-administered protective shield procedure (Schutzschirmverfahren) and organised the implementation of the capital measures decided in the insolvency plan.
Karolin studied at the University of Cologne and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. Prior to that, she completed a banking training in Luxembourg and several internships in the financial market in London.
Karolin finds balance in her everyday working life in the garden and in the kitchen, where she can be creative and enjoy the fruits of her labour with family and friends. Her wanderlust regularly draws her to the Cologne area and the mountains of South Tyrol.
Karolin's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Responsibility • Restorative • Relator • Developer • Harmony
Karolin has been working as a Senior Consultant at iron AG since 2022, supporting listed companies and bond issuers in their daily investor relations work.
Before joining iron, she worked for a listed financial services provider, where she was responsible for day-to-day investor relations. There, she was also closely involved in the financial restructuring process as part of a self-administered protective shield procedure (Schutzschirmverfahren) and organised the implementation of the capital measures decided in the insolvency plan.
Karolin studied at the University of Cologne and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. Prior to that, she completed a banking training in Luxembourg and several internships in the financial market in London.
Karolin finds balance in her everyday working life in the garden and in the kitchen, where she can be creative and enjoy the fruits of her labour with family and friends. Her wanderlust regularly draws her to the Cologne area and the mountains of South Tyrol.
Karolin's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Responsibility • Restorative • Relator • Developer • Harmony
Niklas Wagner
Junior Consultant
Niklas Wagner
Junior Consultant
"Good investor relations work begins with honest communication – and never ends."
Niklas brings a diverse background to the world of financial communications. He began his professional journey with a training as a notary clerk, where he developed a flair for legal precision. A bachelor's degree in politics and society from the University of Bonn and a subsequent master's degree in political economy and international relations from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz laid the foundation for his deep understanding of economic policy matters. He gained practical experience at Deutsche Telekom AG's Corporate Social Responsibility department and at BayWa r.e. Wind GmbH in the General Administration department.
At iron, Niklas has been supporting companies as a junior consultant since 2025, helping them to sharpen their financial reporting and optimise their strategic capital market communications. Through targeted analyses of market perception, he develops tailor-made solutions to strengthen his clients' profile among investors.
When he is not analysing capital market trends, Niklas can be found on the tennis court, where quick reactions and forward thinking are just as important as in financial communications.
Niklas' top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Relator • Strategic • Individualisation • Harmony • Intellection
Niklas brings a diverse background to the world of financial communications. He began his professional journey with a training as a notary clerk, where he developed a flair for legal precision. A bachelor's degree in politics and society from the University of Bonn and a subsequent master's degree in political economy and international relations from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz laid the foundation for his deep understanding of economic policy matters. He gained practical experience at Deutsche Telekom AG's Corporate Social Responsibility department and at BayWa r.e. Wind GmbH in the General Administration department.
At iron, Niklas has been supporting companies as a junior consultant since 2025, helping them to sharpen their financial reporting and optimise their strategic capital market communications. Through targeted analyses of market perception, he develops tailor-made solutions to strengthen his clients' profile among investors.
When he is not analysing capital market trends, Niklas can be found on the tennis court, where quick reactions and forward thinking are just as important as in financial communications.
Niklas' top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Relator • Strategic • Individualisation • Harmony • Intellection
Michael Werner
Strategic Consultant
Michael Werner
Strategic Consultant
Has been active as a cooperation partner since 2019 and as a Strategic Consultant for iron in ESG consulting projects since October 2021. Michael has more than 30 years of professional experience, including over 20 years as a management consultant.
He worked for PwC Germany for 15 years as a consultant and later as a partner, where he helped build up the Sustainability Consulting division. He then served as a member of the Management Board at Scholz & Friends Reputation for five years. Today, he advises companies of all sizes on sustainability management and ESG.
Michael holds a degree in environmental engineering (TU Berlin).
He worked for PwC Germany for 15 years as a consultant and later as a partner, where he helped build up the Sustainability Consulting division. He then served as a member of the Management Board at Scholz & Friends Reputation for five years. Today, he advises companies of all sizes on sustainability management and ESG.
Michael holds a degree in environmental engineering (TU Berlin).
"Good sustainability communication is not an end in itself, but creates trust and orientation – both internally and externally."
Lennart Knop
Working Student
Lennart Knop
Working Student
"The capital market is like football – teamwork, strategy and the right timing are what determine success."
Lennart joined the iron team in November 2024 as a Working Student focusing on IR consulting. He is in his sixth semester of business administration at the Technical University of Cologne, specialising in corporate management and organisational development as well as investment and finance – a perfect combination for his work at iron.
Supporting the consultants in the IR department, Lennart demonstrates that he not only understands complex capital market issues, but also tackles them with enthusiasm. His personal interest in capital market topics makes him a valuable team member who thinks outside the box.
Lennart finds a balance to his analytical thinking on the football pitch, where he plays for a club. Here, he learns every day what also counts in IR consulting: team spirit, strategic thinking and the ability to make the right decision even under pressure.
Lennart's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Relator • Significance • Competition • Analytical • Focus
Lennart joined the iron team in November 2024 as a Working Student focusing on IR consulting. He is in his sixth semester of business administration at the Technical University of Cologne, specialising in corporate management and organisational development as well as investment and finance – a perfect combination for his work at iron.
Supporting the consultants in the IR department, Lennart demonstrates that he not only understands complex capital market issues, but also tackles them with enthusiasm. His personal interest in capital market topics makes him a valuable team member who thinks outside the box.
Lennart finds a balance to his analytical thinking on the football pitch, where he plays for a club. Here, he learns every day what also counts in IR consulting: team spirit, strategic thinking and the ability to make the right decision even under pressure.
Lennart's top 5 strengths (CliftonStrengths):
Relator • Significance • Competition • Analytical • Focus
Good guidance requires good governance
The members of the Supervisory Board of iron AG combine legal expertise with many years of experience in strategy and ESG consulting.