Since 2018, the aerospace engineer, who holds a doctorate from Purdue University (Indiana, USA), has been part of the CU team – initially as Technical Director at the Stade site, since November 2020 as Managing Director of the CU Nord cluster, and since April 2024 also as Deputy Managing Director of the overall association.
With his in-depth expertise, the Stade native brought a breath of fresh air and valuable impetus to the work of the CU North cluster and the association as a whole from the very beginning.

He made a decisive impact, particularly in the areas of recycling, sustainability, and the circular economy, as well as international networking. As one of the network’s leading figures, he initiated forward-looking collaborations, including with the ICC, Japan’s largest center for fiber composites, and published numerous technical articles, including in the CU Knowledge series.

“It’s not easy for me to leave CU,” Brenken admits. “I am very grateful for the joint projects, discussions, challenges, and exchanges—both within the team and with the members. I am very much looking forward to my new role, but also to remaining closely connected to the CU network.”

Dr. Tjark von Reden, Managing Director of the CU, pays tribute to his long-standing colleague, speaking on behalf of the entire CU team: “Dear Bastian, in your seven years at CU, you have played a key role in shaping the network and the industry. We know that it will be almost impossible to fully replace you. We thank you for your work, look forward to new forms of collaboration, and wish you all the best and every success in your professional and private life.”