Felix Büchting taking a look back and ahead with Henning von der Ohe
Henning von der Ohe
Strategy and values
Henning von der Ohe has substantially shaped KWS’ development and communications work for almost 35 years. Before he retires at the end of October, he takes a look back – and into the future – with Felix Büchting.
Is there an event that was particularly exciting for you in your time at KWS?
Yes, the attempted hostile takeover of KWS by Südzucker and Hoechst/AgrEvo springs to mind right away. We were able to avert this unjustified move in an exciting dispute before a court of arbitration between 2001 and 2004 and thereby strengthen KWS’ independence lastingly.
Were there any other special highlights for which you were responsible?
Yes, many. The Strategic Planning, which I launched in 1993 and then updated every two years together with many others, was a centerpiece of my work. We refined the methodology every time and ultimately were never far off the mark, as KWS’ continuing growth has shown. I’ll also never forget formulating “High Profile Development” and “Make yourself grow” as the guiding principles and values on which KWS is founded, as well as the many campaigns relating to genetic engineering. Our balanced, transparent approach in dealing with the issue of genetic engineering mattered deeply to me and contributed to KWS’ good reputation in its home market of Germany.
What have been the biggest changes at KWS?
KWS has become more international, digital and research-intensive. When I started working for KWS in 1986, we hardly had a presence in markets that are now important, such as the U.S., Brazil and China. CRISPR/Cas in research, a global SAP system and English as the corporate language, not to mention employees from more than 30 countries working at Einbeck – we’d never have imagined all that back then. KWS’ building infrastructure has also changed beyond recognition.
How do you see KWS’ future?
I wish for continuing prosperity for KWS. Even though the competitive environment is challenging, especially in the corn segment, we can rely on a broad product portfolio, unlike our international rivals. That’s a strong foundation in view of the growing importance of sustainability in agriculture. As an independent company with its acknowledged proximity to customers, high-performance varieties and efficient services, we can assume a leading role in that.
Henning von der Ohe hopes that KWS’ involvement in Africa will grow stronger in the future
What advice would you give KWS?
As KWS continues to grow, it should ensure that our values “move with the times,” yet preserve and practice such key elements as team spirit, fairness and respect toward each other, and trust in the skills and expertise of colleagues.
What else do you wish for KWS?
Building up our activities in Africa south of the Sahara is a matter that is dear to my heart. I’m delighted that I’ve been able to lay the groundwork for that in Kenya and Zambia together with my dedicated colleagues and hope that KWS’ involvement there will grow in the future. Every contribution counts, helps improve living conditions there, and opens up new growth areas for KWS.
