Trust in Our Own Strengths and Capabilities
Trust in Our Own Strengths and Capabilities
Press release | September 9, 2024
The market research institute Produkt + Markt, one of Germany's 10 largest market research companies, has successfully managed its leadership succession under its own steam and with its own experts. The previous managing directors and main shareholders have handed over the company's leadership to Katja Birke and Axel Schomborg.
Change in Shareholder Structure and Management
Founded in 1973 and based in Wallenhorst, Produkt + Markt has been led by managing directors and main shareholders Michael Albers, Heiner Junker, and Prof. Joachim Scholz-Ligma over the past decades. With immediate effect, Katja Birke and Axel Schomborg will take over the company's leadership as main shareholders and managing directors. Both have held senior positions at Produkt + Markt for many years, have been shareholders since 2009, and have significantly influenced key developments within the company beyond their respective research areas.
"We hand over the responsibility for Produkt + Markt to the next generation with great confidence and joy. The overwhelmingly positive response from our employees confirms that we have made the right decision," says Michael Albers and expresses his satisfaction with the transition.
"We hand over the responsibility for Produkt + Markt to the next generation with great confidence and joy. The overwhelmingly positive response from our employees confirms that we have made the right decision," says Michael Albers and expresses his satisfaction with the transition.
Trust in Our Own Strengths and Capabilities
The company has deliberately chosen to shape its future path with trust in its own strengths and capabilities. An external sale was also considered, but ultimately, the belief prevailed that Produkt + Markt would benefit more from its own strengths and the power of its teams than from the advantages of a larger group. Axel Schomborg is convinced of the chosen path and states:
"Our employees are highly motivated to inspire clients with solutions, expertise, and commitment while being able to respond flexibly. We have come to the conclusion that we can realize these strengths better as an independent company than within a large group."
Continuing the Transformation
In addition to their in-depth knowledge of Produkt + Markt's strengths, Katja Birke and Axel Schomborg bring a clear vision for the company's future. "We are looking ahead to the major themes in the industry," states Axel Schomborg to explain the future path. For instance, Produkt + Markt has created an in-house academy to keep the teams' skills at a top level. Artificial intelligence is, of course, also high on the agenda. The institute has long developed solutions for market research, always focusing on research quality and proximity to the target audience.
For Produkt + Markt, future viability also means sustainability. "We are already very well positioned in ESG topics, not only within our company but also beyond," explains Katja Birke. This also benefits our clients, as the institute supports and advises them on improving their ESG performance. "We will continue to consistently pursue this path towards greater sustainability," Katja Birke emphasizes.
For Produkt + Markt, future viability also means sustainability. "We are already very well positioned in ESG topics, not only within our company but also beyond," explains Katja Birke. This also benefits our clients, as the institute supports and advises them on improving their ESG performance. "We will continue to consistently pursue this path towards greater sustainability," Katja Birke emphasizes.
Focus on Quality and Close Customer Relationships
Despite their future-oriented approach, the new management is clear on one point related to the past: Produkt + Markt's focus on quality and customer proximity will remain unchanged. "Our joy in working together with clients to find solutions, adapting flexibly to their needs, and sometimes doing things differently has led to many close and long-term customer relationships," says Katja Birke. Birke and Schomborg are committed to maintaining this recipe for success.
This includes ensuring that customers can continue to rely on their familiar contacts and range of services in the future. Operational collaboration and the fundamental orientation will remain the same.
This includes ensuring that customers can continue to rely on their familiar contacts and range of services in the future. Operational collaboration and the fundamental orientation will remain the same.
Shareholder Structure as a Further Testament to Trust
Trust in the company's own strengths and future is further reinforced by the fact that many long-standing members have decided to shape Produkt + Markt's future as shareholders: Dr. Dirk Aderhold, who has increased his shares, as well as Christiane Bernsen, Carolin Globisch, Claudia Greischel, Juliane Nafroth, Dr. Ludger Rolfes, and Tanja Schröder, all of whom are well-known and leading figures in the company, remain loyal to Produkt + Markt and underline their support by acquiring shares. The former leadership trio consisting of Michael Albers, Heiner Junker, and Prof. Joachim-Scholz-Ligma will remain active for the time being. They will support Birke and Schomborg during the transition period.
"Our trust in Produkt + Markt's future was already strong, but it has been further strengthened by this large group of leadership members committing to the company's future," Katja Birke and Axel Schomborg say. "We look forward to shaping the future together with all leadership members, employees, and our clients."
About Produkt + Markt
Founded in 1973 in Wallenhorst, Produkt + Markt is one of Germany's largest full-service market research institutes. With an annual turnover of around 18 million euros and approximately 130 employees, Produkt + Markt offers comprehensive research services in the fields of consumer and industrial goods, healthcare, agribusiness, and animal health research. The institute works with renowned companies worldwide and is a member of the World Independent Network of Market Research (WIN). Produkt + Markt is certified according to DIN ISO 9001 and 20252.
Founded in 1973 in Wallenhorst, Produkt + Markt is one of Germany's largest full-service market research institutes. With an annual turnover of around 18 million euros and approximately 130 employees, Produkt + Markt offers comprehensive research services in the fields of consumer and industrial goods, healthcare, agribusiness, and animal health research. The institute works with renowned companies worldwide and is a member of the World Independent Network of Market Research (WIN). Produkt + Markt is certified according to DIN ISO 9001 and 20252.