Director Corporate People & Culture
How long have you been in this position, and what led you to this role?
I started as Head of HR at proLogistik Holding GmbH in October 2022 and have been responsible for the People & Culture (P&C) area across the group as Director Corporate People & Culture since April 2024.
What particularly attracted me to proLogistik (pL) was the challenge of working in a rapidly growing international corporate group. The pL Group originally consisted of 14 different companies, primarily expanding inorganically through M&As.
The opportunity to build a professional HR function, assemble a strong team, and work together to not only professionalize but also harmonize structures and processes was especially appealing to me. I also find it exciting to integrate the various companies with their diverse cultures, fostering collective and continuous growth as a group.
Additionally, there are many exciting projects, such as the digitalization of the HR function, the harmonization of job positions, and the transformation into a matrix organization. I am also inspired by the opportunity to collaborate across borders, gaining valuable perspectives and best practices through international exchanges, which we can roll out group-wide to strengthen the company’s growth.
What do you particularly enjoy about your role as a Director?
I particularly appreciate the diversity of tasks and projects, as well as the combination of strategic and creative work. I am motivated by collaborating with a diverse team to develop solutions that have both short-term and long-term impact.
Working with different departments brings exciting new perspectives, and the variety of approaches and ways of thinking encourage ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking. This exchange helps to challenge existing ideas and find solutions that are broadly applicable and effective.
Which topics and projects in your area are particularly exciting?
Currently, the most exciting projects involve process optimization and digitalization, which help us make the group’s HR function more efficient and future-oriented. Additionally, I appreciate how our international collaboration continuously brings new ideas and impulses that we can integrate into our work. These projects are essential for sustainably supporting the group’s strong growth and establishing an agile way of working.
What role does your department play in the overall success of the company?
Our department plays a central role in the successful development of the entire group. As People & Culture, we ensure that our growth strategy is effectively implemented and that all employees are supported through various development paths with different learning formats.
Through strategic recruiting initiatives, we make sure the right people are placed in the right positions. Our work in shaping company culture helps connect colleagues across all locations, fostering a shared commitment to the organization and ensuring that our values are lived across borders.
With our HR strategy, we support and complement the overall business strategy, contributing to the group’s ability to remain future-oriented and competitive on an international level.
Which leadership principles are particularly important to you?
It is particularly important to me to embody trust, transparency, and empowerment—values that I strongly promote within my international team. I believe that a diverse team can benefit immensely from the exchange of different perspectives.
Openness and enabling individual responsibility are at the core of my leadership approach. Through regular international exchanges, we continuously learn from one another and evolve together.
What do you expect from new colleagues joining your department?
I expect new colleagues to bring curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to collaborate in an international environment. Openness to new cultures and the ability to actively contribute, including in projects, are especially important to me.
Team spirit and the desire to grow together, along with embracing the principle of lifelong learning and a commitment to continuous development and mutual learning, are essential values that unite us in my department
What motivates you to come to work every day?
The opportunity to lead a fantastic, curious, and international team while making an impact alongside inspiring people—both within the executive team and across departments—motivates me every day. Seeing our teams grow and succeed through cross-border collaboration gives me immense satisfaction. The challenge of continuously finding the best solutions for the group and further developing our department drives me forward.
What advice would you give potential applicants for a successful interview with you?
Be authentic and show what truly motivates you. It’s important to me that you not only bring the right expertise but also fit well with the team on a personal level. Demonstrating genuine interest in collaborating across cultural and geographical boundaries highlights the openness and flexibility that are essential for us.
What goals are you currently pursuing for your department, and what is your vision for its future?
My goal is to establish an international corporate culture based on openness, appreciation, and continuous development. For the future, I strive to create an environment where all colleagues, regardless of their location, feel comfortable in the long term and can reach their full potential. By fostering international collaboration, we grow not only as a company but also as a community.
How do you see the development of your industry in the coming years, and how is your department preparing for it?
I expect the People & Culture landscape to continue evolving towards digitalization, increased flexibility, and further internationalization. We are preparing for this by aligning and continuously developing our solutions to meet the needs of our employees and the organization.
Within our company, we focus on staying competitive by streamlining internal processes and continuously investing in innovative tools and the ongoing development of our international teams. This ensures that we remain agile, adapt to changes effectively, and continue to evolve in the future.