After ONEGLOBE:
The transformation continues

GLOBE went live at the companies in KWS’ last three countries – Argentina, Peru and Chile – on October 1. Where do we stand as regards reorganization of our administration?

Bonnie Klein: Since 2018, we’ve migrated 58 companies from 28 countries to our new central administrative structure GLOBE, i.e. an average of one company a month went live during that time. We had to gain an understanding of the legal, economic and cultural environment in each country, take stock of the old processes, and see how far they could be implemented into the already defined and desired standard processes. As part of that, we uniformly rolled out platforms such as Concur and Central Procurement Hub – and even introduced SAP for the first time in some countries. Our teams in administration often had to shoulder that task on top of their day-to-day business. Even if there are still hitches in some processes, it has to be said that we have successfully accomplished the changeover to GLOBE without any lasting negative impact on KWS’ business.

Nils König: We mustn’t forget the fact that we had to create the new organizational structure, either. In Einbeck and Berlin – with the support of a few business partners around the world – we built up an organization that was completely new in many parts. And a new location was established in Berlin, where more than 400 colleagues from 68 countries support KWS’ business worldwide. These structures are now up and running – despite the high complexity of the project, the many restrictions due to the pandemic, and the sometimes difficult circumstances on the labor market. Many colleagues from the former Regional Service Centers or Business Units have moved with us to Berlin and also to Einbeck. We were often able to recruit experienced experts from other companies, too. When I see GLOBE today, I’m filled with pride.

Are there areas where changes are still on the agenda?

Nils König: We’ve reorganized almost the entire KWS structure as it existed in 2018. The BU Vegetables was not set up until the ONEGLOBE project was already underway and is therefore not yet included in the transition planning, but is also bound to transition in the next few years. However, we’ve already been able to integrate smaller new companies and business activities, for example in Canada or on the Canary Islands, and support their establishment. In addition, in consultation between KWS and its partners, we’ve not switched over some large joint ventures such as AgReliant in the U.S. either.

Bonnie Klein: But one more thing needs to be said: The end of the transitions does not mean the end of change. Even though the transitions, and with them ONEGLOBE, are coming to an end, we still have some homework and improvements ahead of us. Our GLOBE colleagues are of course working on quality improvements in all functions, for example. At the same time, we’ve only now bundled all processes for all companies transparently in one organization with the last transitions. Now we need to quickly achieve standardization and expand automation for very many processes. That will also have an impact on our company worldwide. However, I believe that the organization is very well prepared for these changes.

The Transition Team will be disbanded at the end of the year. How does everyone involved feel about that? And what will the colleagues do afterwards?

Bonnie Klein: The Transition Team delivered the transitions at an incredibly high pace and under very different general conditions. Our team did a lot of work at the interface between the companies and GLOBE and was able to get to know KWS’ business intensively. Backed by that experience and knowledge, some members of the team moved to other areas of KWS during the project. We were aware from the outset that ONEGLOBE would not last forever. That’s why we started in good time to search for and find perspectives for each and every one of our colleagues. I’m therefore very happy that most of the current team will continue to work for KWS – in administration, but also in the Business Units.

What are your feelings and impressions as ONEGLOBE ends?

Nils König: I see the ONEGLOBE project as just one part of KWS’ ongoing transformation. Together with parallel initiatives, such as One Marketing and the structural reorganization in research and development, we’re now jointly laying the foundations for evolving into a true global player. Together, we’re fine-tuning more powerful and competitive internal structures and processes – here, too, we’re seeding the future.

Bonnie Klein: The last few years have sometimes been an emotional rollercoaster. I had the chance to accompany the project from the beginning. It was a very exciting, yet often challenging time. We’ve always tried to strike the right tone when interacting with colleagues at KWS, even though that wasn’t always easy. For some, ONEGLOBE also marked the end at their time at KWS. However, I’m also delighted that so many joined us on the ONEGLOBE journey and found other prospects at KWS. In any case, I would like to thank everyone who supported the project team, the GLOBE organization and me during this time. Now I’m really looking forward to my new task and the opportunity to continue to help shape the GLOBE organization further in the future. |