AN INTERNATIONAL CAREER SPANNING MORE THAN 15 YEARS

Volker is a customer-centric and forward-thinking executive with 15 years of global management experience. Leading and developing large-scale multichannel operations for a key player in the retail landscape in consumer-driven and fast-paced environments has continuously sharpened and increased his skillset.

Over the past 15 years at IKEA he had the opportunity to explore working in various cultures, from Europe with the Netherlands, Germany and Russia, to the Asian Pacific Region and the Middle East with the UAE. A deep understanding of the consumer, turning data into insights and insights into solutions, have proven to be key factors for his success, together with the mantra to develop business through people. He was able to work in various areas of IKEA during his career, took over running store operations in Russia as Sales and Store Manager before being part of the country management team as Deputy Sales Director for China. While working for the franchisor side of IKEA in the Netherlands (Inter IKEA Systems B.V.) afterwards he developed long term strategic expansion plans for IKEA in South-East Asia as the Regional Expansion Leader. On top of that he has been an active part of many global business planning processes, regional and international projects. In his latest challenge, he built up a team of 300 coworkers from scratch for the opening of the most recent IKEA store in Dubai, UAE.

Volker can be defined as a top achiever. Besides excelling in his professional career, he is an ultra-distance triathlon champion and multiple Ironman Triathlon finisher. Volker is very determined and committed but also willing to go the extra mile (literally) to meet his and his teams’ objectives, to learn fast and to capitalize on his talents.

With his successful MBA he has significantly increased his value proposition for any challenge ahead. The freshly gained deep understanding of frameworks, methods and business processes combined with his previous track record will make him ready to excel in a broad range of businesses and positions.