Friday 2024-01-12

There are around 9,000 kilometers as the crow flies and a seven-hour time difference between Lippstadt and Shanghai. When Marcel Wiedmann arrives at his office at 8:00 a.m., the clocks in Germany show 1:00 a.m. "Working with German colleagues requires flexibility," says Marcel Wiedmann. "Video conferences sometimes take place later in the evening." However, his enthusiasm for discovering other cultures more than makes up for the sometimes long working days. The doctor of economics was already drawn out into the world during his studies. He gained his first experience abroad at the New York branch of Landesbank Baden-Württemberg. After holding positions at Porsche, McKinsey and Bosch, among others, he got off to a flying start at HELLA in 2017. As Vice President, he was initially responsible for logistics for Europe, the Middle East and Africa in what was then the Aftermarket and Special Applications business division and he was responsible for quality globally. At the beginning of 2020, he became Head of Corporate Logistics and was responsible for global AM/SA logistics. In this context, he also became a member of the BG Board. About a year later, the now 45-year-old received the famous offer he couldn't refuse: He was wanted as Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the HELLA Corporate Center Asia.

Formative time in Shanghai

In 2021, Marcel Wiedmann moved to Shanghai with his wife and three children in the middle of the pandemic. Because of Corona, it was not an easy time at first. He was therefore particularly impressed by the commitment and resilience with which people faced the strict lockdown in Shanghai. "The colleagues from the plant were not allowed to leave the premises. They spent several weeks on site without being able to go home. It was just admirable how they dealt with this stressful situation." The plant employees were supported with many creative measures from the BGs and the headquarters. "The commitment with which people here stood up for each other also touched me personally," recalls Marcel Wiedmann.

Juggling a lot of balls

An eventful time in Shanghai will soon come to an end for him and his family. Since January 2024, he has taken on a new task at HELLA: He is returning to Germany as Head of Independent Aftermarket and Workshop Solutions and thus once again as a Board member of the Business Group Lifecycle Solutions. However, the move is not planned until the summer, so that there is enough time for the handover to his successor Heiko Lässig. Until then, Marcel Wiedmann is juggling several balls: Parallel to his new position, he will continue to take care of the management and finances of the HELLA Corporate Center Asia until April. How does he manage it all? "I am fortunate to have flexible and experienced colleagues at my side," he explains. "Both here in China and in Germany, I can absolutely rely on the teams. The colleagues are committed, they know their business inside out and have everything firmly under control."

Mastering new challenges

Marcel Wiedmann has big plans for his new position. "The economic environment will remain challenging in 2024. For us, this means, above all, acting with the greatest possible cost awareness. As we will continue to face geopolitical crises and uncertain markets, it is important to me to manage all these uncertainties in the best possible way and to strengthen the resilience of my employees." Marcel Wiedmann also mentions strategic planning, which is clearly geared towards growth, as a further focus. "We will keep our eyes open and keep an eye on any worthwhile partnerships. However, we expect to grow primarily through internal portfolio expansions." In all of this, employees can expect maximum transparency, openness, and authenticity from their new manager. Quick decisions, smooth cooperation across divisional and hierarchical boundaries as well as a good portion of fun at work characterize Marcel Wiedmann's management style.

A little melancholy and a lot of anticipation

In order to clear his head with all these tasks, he needs a break every now and then. This works best for him when running or snowboarding. Shortly before their final farewell from Asia, the family is drawn to the slopes in the nearby Japanese mountains. What will he miss about China? "The many great people I've had the pleasure of working with over the past two years. I will also miss the varied Chinese cuisine and the beautiful bars and restaurants here in Shanghai." And what is Marcel Wiedmann looking forward to in Germany? "To master upcoming challenges with my team and to get the best out of HELLA together," he explains. "And I'm looking forward to good wine. Unfortunately, it is excessively expensive in China." (laughs)