After receiving his diploma in Mineralogy from the Technical University of Munich in 1974, Dr. Peterat started working as a research associate at the University of Munich’s Institute of Crystallography and Mineralogy. From 1977 until 1980 he worked as a research associate at Siemens AG. In 1980 Dr. Peterat joined the former Wacker-Chemitronic GmbH development department. During this time he received his Ph.D. and was promoted Production Manager at the crucible growing department in 1986. In the following years, he headed various production units, including the international Standard Wafer Business Unit until he was appointed to Member of the Management Board of the former Wacker Siltronic AG and as Director of Personnel in 2001. From early 2002, Dr. Peterat was in charge of Human Resources at Wacker-Chemie GmbH. He was appointed to Chief Operations Officer of the Siltronic AG Management Board in November 2004.