Christian Schätz, COO Microsoft Deutschland – the Future of AI, Cloud Adoption & Fostering a “Learn-it-All” Culture

What is the perspective of one of the world’s leading technology companies on the future of Artificial Intelligence? In this episode, Christian Schätz, COO of Microsoft Deutschland, discusses how Microsoft scales innovation while adapting to Germany’s regulatory, operational, and cultural environment. Christian explains why Microsoft views AI as a copilot rather than an autopilot — a technology built to augment human capability. He shares how Microsoft, as “customer Zero” applies AI internally, from natural-language access on core business systems to significant efficiency gains in customer support and global shared services. The conversation turns to Germany’s adoption dynamic, shaped by engineering rigor, regulatory depth, and the role of workers’ councils. Christian describes how Microsoft balances its global strategy with local expectations around security, sovereignty, and trust — and why the company’s shift from a know-it-all to a learn-it-all culture is crucial in this fast-moving environment. We close with Christian’s personal leadership journey, from hotel management to the C-suite, and his advice for young professionals preparing for an AI-driven future — centered on curiosity, continuous learning, and the ability to “get stuff done.” Guest Christian Schätz, COO - Microsoft Deutschland Hosts Prof. Dr. Serden Ozcan, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management Gori von Hirschhausen, PwC Germany Editorial Team Annika Lux-Röhrig Simon Görlach

How does one of the world’s leading private investment houses balance agility, scale, and purpose? In this episode, we sit down with Jan Philipp Schmitz, Executive Vice President and Member of the Executive Committee at Ardian, to explore how the firm has grown from a management buyout of AXA Private Equity into a $192 billion global investment leader. Jan Philipp takes us inside Ardian’s multi-asset model, spanning private equity, infrastructure, and private credit - and explains why secondaries and infrastructure are some of the firm’s fastest-growing pillars. He reveals how Ardian combines entrepreneurial speed with institutional discipline, fostering a culture of shared ownership where employees and investors are deeply aligned. We also discuss the strategic value of staying private, and what it takes to scale globally while keeping decision-making decentralized and fast. Guest Jan-Philipp Schmitz, Executive Vice President and Member of the Executive Committee, Ardian Hosts Prof. Dr. Serden Ozcan, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management Gori von Hirschhausen, PwC Germany Editorial Team Annika Lux-Röhrig Simon Görlach

How do you steer a 350-year-old global science and technology company through complex transformation while balancing short-term market expectations and long-term family ownership? In this episode, we speak with Helene von Roeder, CFO of Merck, a diversified company operating in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. We explore how Merck navigates M&A strategy across highly specialized sectors, why capital allocation can be a competition between business units, and how conglomerate structure can be a strength - if properly managed. Helene shares her views on pharma portfolio, the strategic rationale behind the $3B SpringWorks acquisition, and how internal R&D capabilities remain crucial even in a buy-to-innovate world. We also discuss the implications of tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, and the evolving US-China dynamic for Merck’s global supply chain and investment logic. Finally, Helene reflects on her own career path: from physics and investment banking to the executive floor and why failure, resilience, and a healthy dose of humility matter just as much as financial discipline. Guest: Helene von Roeder, CFO of Merck KGaA Hosts: Prof. Dr. Martin Glaum & Gori von Hirschhausen Editorial Team: Simon Görlach, Annika Lux-Röhrig

What does it take to transform one of Europe’s largest utility companies from a legacy coal and nuclear powerhouse into a leader in global renewables? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Michael Müller, CFO of RWE AG, about steering one of Germany’s most iconic energy companies through structural upheaval, international expansion, and shifting regulatory environments. From its roots as a diversified conglomerate to a focused player in power generation with a portfolio increasingly dominated by renewables, RWE exemplifies what transformation at scale truly means. We discuss the strategic rationale behind RWE’s separation from grid operations, how trading and asset optimization became a central pillar of their business model, and why building international teams with local autonomy is key to growth in markets like the US, UK, and the Netherlands. Michael reflects on the impact of geopolitics and regulation on long-term capital investment decisions, the future of energy affordability and security, and the role of active portfolio management in driving returns in volatile markets. He also shares insights into RWE’s decision to reduce its €55B investment program, the influence of hedge funds like Elliott, and the increasing importance of digitalization and AI in energy trading. Finally, Michael opens up about his own career journey—from engineering and a PhD in turbomachinery to corporate finance and executive leadership—and why taking ownership, managing risk culture, and staying commercially curious are key traits for modern CFOs. Guest: Dr. Michael Müller, CFO of RWE AG Hosts: Prof. Dr. Martin Glaum & Gori von Hirschhausen Editorial Team: Annika Lux & Simon Görlach

How do you bring management and investor views together to successfully transform a company for growth? In this episode, we explore this question with Dr. Sven Oleownik, Partner at EMERAM Capital Partners. EMERAM is a Munich-based private equity firm focused on the DACH region, specializing in mid-sized companies. Together, we examine the company’s approach to nurturing leadership teams and consider the investor's perspective on the roles that CEOs and CFOs play within an organization. Sven also shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in the current private equity landscape and discusses the key factors that EMERAM considers when evaluating potential new deals. Guest: Dr. Sven Oleownik of EMERAM CAPITAL PARTNERS GMBH Hosts: Prof. Dr. Serden Ozcan & Gori von Hirschhausen Editorial Team: Simon Görlach & Marvin Schöne

How can a family-owned company navigate the industry-wide transformation while maintaining financial stability? AVL List, a €2 billion company located in Graz, Austria, is a leader in engine technology. With the car industry’s shift to electric vehicles, AVL List needs to transform itself, too. This requires substantial investments. As Yorck Schmidt, AVL List’s CFO, explains, "We have invested more than €1 billion over the last 4 years and will invest up to another €700 million within the next three years." In this episode, CFO Yorck Schmidt explains how he and his colleagues at AVL List navigate the profound changes in the automobile industry while continuing to innovate. We explore Yorck’s views on the future of automobile technology, the importance of foreign competition, how AVL manages the complexities of global markets, and his own role as the CFO in AVL List’s transformation. Join us for an insightful conversation on the future of mobility technology and the financial strategies of AVL List. Guest: Dr. Yorck Schmidt Hosts: Martin Glaum & Gori von Hirschhausen Editorial Team: Simon Görlach & Marvin Schöne

“We grew by more than 100% for 12 quarters in a row." Today, the market reality of the food delivery business has changed. Fierce competition, devaluations, and strong pressure from investors to turn the business profitable are the dominating forces. Join us for an interesting discussion in which, together with Emmanuel Thomassin, we talk about the future of the food delivery business model and how the company is working on becoming profitable. Also, listen to some interesting insights on successful deal-making strategies and how Delivery Hero is challenging fierce competition in multiple global markets at once. Guest: Emmanuel Thomassin former CFO Delivery Hero Hosts: Martin Glaum & Gori von Hirschhausen  Editorial Team: Simon Görlach & Marvin Schöne

Bayer AG is one of the most important German companies in the life science business. Now the organization is at a historic turning point, dealing with numerous lawsuits resulting from the acquisition of Monsanto, a pharmaceutical pipeline that is losing exclusivity, and a significant decline in market value over the past few years. This has also sparked investor discussions about the possibility of splitting up the company. In this episode, CFO Wolfgang Nickl will discuss how he, along with the new CEO Bill Anderson and the rest of the Bayer team, are facing these challenges. Join us for an interesting discussion on what lies ahead for Bayer and how the company will transform in the coming years. Guest: Wolfgang Nickl Hosts: Martin Glaum & Gori von Hirschhausen Editorial Team: Simon Görlach & Marvin Schöne

In this new episode of the Leading Corporate Transformation podcast, Professor Martin Glaum from WHU and Gori von Hirschhausen from PwC Germany interview Kai Andrejewski, the CFO of the Sixt Group. Sixt has achieved remarkable growth in recent years. How have they managed to achieve this amidst global challenges? As CFO, Kai gives us insights into the company's growth story, highlighting their distinctive business model that has not only thrived in Europe but has also propelled Sixt to significant expansion in the USA. He also sheds light on the company’s digitalization projects, the utilization of AI and predictive analytics in his finance department. Additionally, you’ll learn about Kai's career journey from being a partner in audit to becoming the CFO and the skills he finds particularly beneficial due to his intriguing professional path.

In the latest episode of Leading Corporate Transformation, Prof. Serden Ozcan and Gori von Hirschhausen from PwC Germany interview the Chair Managing Director of Keysight Technologies Germany, Dr. Joachim Peerlings. He talks about the history of his company and how its operations have evolved over the years. Learn more about the business of Keysight Technologies and what impact the company has today. Also get information about what it's like as an US company to operate out of Germany and how the company is currently working with AI. You'll learn insights on how to keep a company agile as it grows and what leadership advice Joachim would give you for your career.