Career paths in the Otto Group: Anne Wien – from Plant Management in Langenselbold to Leading Strategic Supply Chain Projects in Hamburg

Anne, what motivated you to seek a new professional direction?
I have always been drawn to personal development, taking on more responsibility, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Therefore, I have kept an eye on taking on a new position or new areas of responsibility every three to four years internally. About 18 years ago, I started as a Logistics Consultant at Otto Group Holding right after my studies. I then worked for almost 15 years at Hermes Fulfilment in Hamburg as a project manager, team lead, and department head – always within the context of logistics projects. In 2020, the then COO of Hermes Fulfilment advised me that I needed two things for my further career in the Otto Group: to demonstrate mobility and to gain experience in operational business, the "real" logistics life.

An opportunity arose for me to take over the site management of the one-man handling operation of Hermes Fulfilment in Langenselbold near Frankfurt, a facility with about 120 employees. I accepted this challenge – it was a true step out of my comfort zone, but I was rewarded for it. I commuted to Langenselbold every week, and anyone who has experience with trains knows that this requires a certain level of flexibility and tolerance for frustration. After successfully implementing the site's realignment after three years, it was again time for a change. After gaining experience in operational business, I wanted to return to a higher "flight level" and apply my knowledge of the "true" logistics life to strategic projects—an immediate benefit for both sides. Thus, I applied for my current position in Supply Chain Management at Otto Group Holding.

What prompted you to pursue your desire for change within the Otto Group?
I have consciously looked for new challenges internally because I have always enjoyed being part of the Otto Group over the years. I highly value the interpersonal relationships in my network and want to actively pass on the knowledge I’ve gained.

How did the process unfold?
My move to Langenselbold was supported by the then COO. When I transitioned back to Hamburg, it was primarily about taking initiative: I had many conversations with various colleagues in the corporation. The advice was to leverage networks, follow tips, and gradually approach the next step. Initially, one doesn’t need a complete vision; much unfolds step by step.

What was the biggest adjustment for you?
What I sometimes miss in my current role are the small, measurable successes that I experienced almost daily in operational business with my team. When service levels and productivity targets were met or exceeded, I could end the day feeling satisfied. In project work, it often takes much longer to successfully complete a topic or work package.

What do you wish for most in your personal development?
In my area, we are currently working on many different top-priority projects. This means I hear many different perspectives on topics, which is very exciting. For instance, in discussions about the future logistics network, it is essential to bring together the perspectives of various corporate firms. I am open to everything and look forward to surprises 😊.

How did your new team welcome you?
The team in Langenselbold initially received me with some skepticism: on one hand, because a female plant manager was still unusual, and on the other, because I was commuting and hadn’t fully relocated to Hesse. However, we quickly overcame the initial concerns through collaboration and positioned the operation together for the future. When I returned to Hamburg, I was positively welcomed; it helped that many of my employees already knew me.

Were there challenges, such as concerns about speaking with the "old" leadership or colleagues?
I always maintained good dialogue with my leaders, so I openly discussed my desire for change with them. However, explaining to my employees that I was leaving Langenselbold was not easy for me.

Are there any further experiences you would like to share?
Stay focused, pursue your goals, and don’t wait for someone else to do it for you.