Oliver Burkhard, CEO of German shipbuilder TKMS, is navigating a period of significant growth following major contract wins. Despite being named the preferred supplier for up to 12 submarines by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Burkhard remains cautious, emphasizing that negotiations must be finalized before celebrating.

TKMS, part of the Thyssenkrupp conglomerate, has recently secured a deal to supply the German navy with up to eight Meko A-200 frigates. This win comes after a competitive landscape where TKMS beat South Korean giant Hanwha for the Canadian submarine deal. Burkhard, who transitioned from a union leader to a corporate executive, credits his background with IG Metall for his ability to navigate complex political compromises.

Looking ahead, the company is eyeing an $8bn deal with India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. While analysts at Deutsche Bank predict the order book could exceed €40bn, Burkhard is focused on execution and prudent growth to ensure the company can meet its delivery obligations and long-term profit targets.