What did you train as and what did you do next?

After finishing my high school diploma and community service, I first studied industrial engineering for five semesters before deciding to train in wholesale and foreign trade. I then did a further course of training in business administration with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. Through KHS Anker Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. I joined KHS GmbH in 2002 where I first worked as sales manager for the Americas market zone before moving to the then new Key Account Management Department in 2006. From 2010 to 2012 I was responsible for new machine sales in the USA, moving back to Key Account Management for Coca-Cola in 2013 at the request of the customer. Last year I was made head of Global Account and Product Management.

Why did you opt for this particular job?

A good friend of mine who’d had the same training as me inspired me because he always had such interesting stories to tell about his work: of communicating in foreign languages in international business, of the misunderstandings and intercultural challenges that sometimes go with this, of the different business ethics in place around the globe.

What does your typical working day look like and what do you like most about your job?

I don’t really have a typical working day. No day is without its emails and conference calls, of course, yet the demands and challenges in our work with our customers are always changing, meaning that these control and influence my daily activities. Working with a true global player like Coca-Cola and in doing so ensuring the greatest possible customer satisfaction is something that’s both exciting and challenging.

What’s more, I value working in a company with lots of potential in a sector that’s constantly growing. And above all I appreciate the great variety and the fact that my job always presents me with new challenges which help me to develop.

I also like the travel that global account management calls for. As this is a job with an international bent, you have the chance to visit lots of different countries which I find a very enriching experience.

What’s the best decision you’ve made so far in your career?

The best decision made in conjunction with work was to spend various periods in the USA which were very exciting in a number of respects. These are experiences you otherwise wouldn’t make and that nobody can ever take away from you.

Why are you doing the job you’re doing now?

Out of passion and enthusiasm for the job on hand.

What’s your next project?

We aim to give Key Account Management at KHS an even more strategic alignment.

Do you have a hobby?

I regularly jog and like to take part in competitions. I also love to play golf when time allows.

If you had a year out, what would you do?

If I could take a year off, I’d like to travel the borders of Europe.

What do you like best about the town you live in?

As a native Hamburger, all I can say is thatHamburg is simply the most beautiful city in the world!