Welcome back!

The first official day back in Einbeck – and things get off to an exciting start for Hagen Duenbostel. In the afternoon, the new strategy is due to be announced and is intended to put KWS on an even better and broader footing for the years ahead. “I was really strict in the cooling-off phase, but of course I always kept an eye on KWS,” says Hagen Duenbostel. “It goes without saying that a company with which I’ve had close ties for so long and that I’ve helped manage is dear to my heart. With the current strategy, we are continuing in the right direction, because KWS should not only remain competitive, but also assume an even stronger leading role in the industry – we have a huge opportunity to do just that.”

Things were never boring for the Doctor of Economics in the past two years: He moved to Innsbruck with his family and founded a company that aims to promote the use of biochar in order to reduce CO₂ emissions in agricultural production. Hagen Duenbostel also supports other family businesses as a consultant, so his diary is always full. “My work on various Executive and Supervisory Boards has always kept me on my toes,” he says. "Nevertheless, it’s an adjustment, going from working for a company as managing director to being a member of the Supervisory Board where you have greater flexibility between the weeks where scheduled meetings are held.”

The Supervisory Board has an oversight function, but – and this is important for him – also acts in an advisory capacity. “Our aim is to support and flank the Executive Board as best we can. Ultimately, we provide a stimulus and the Executive Board decides how to react.” KWS’ values of proximity and reliability are particularly crucial for Hagen Duenbostel, also in terms of strategy: “It’s pretty uncommon in the world of work these days, but it’s a success for us when employees stay loyal to the company for a long time. After all, building knowledge is very important in our industry because the cycles are very long. We naturally want to remain a top employer in the seed industry.”

And how was the first day back? “When I turned up again this morning after such a long time away, the way I was greeted, the warmth – it’s really something special that we can be proud of. I’m very optimistic and brimming with confidence about the future of our KWS.” |