INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT EMOTIONS DOESN’T WORK

Andrea Hendrickx, Geschäftsleitung Infosys Deutschland, Friedrichstraße 56, 40217 Düsseldorf
www.infosys.com

Andrea Hendrickx is curiosity personified. The 52-year-old manages the German operations of the Indian technology company Infosys. In her private life, she is committed to environmental protection and development aid - and collects medical lasers. That in turn has made VIVID curious. Time for a chat!

At the end of 2019, you took over as the head of German operations for the Indian company Infosys. Prior to that, you also held a management position for almost 20 years at the IT consultant Capgemini. What attracted you to your new role? 

I was fascinated by the company from the very beginning. Infosys’ return on sales is twice as high as that of other IT companies. I quickly realized that it was due to the combination of a truly global company organization and the very special energy of the employees worldwide. The willingness to learn and the commitment within the Infosys family are enormous - and of course this also has an impact on the company’s success. Although Infosys has been on the market for almost 40 years, it has retained its start-up mentality. The desire to innovate is also comparatively high: half a billion US dollars is invested here in new technologies and innovations. But it’s no surprise that an Indian company is so successful, because nowadays IT can no longer do without the know-how from India. I was already familiar with the Indian culture from my previous job. Everything simply fits very well for me. So, I accepted when they made me the offer.

“ALTHOUGH INFOSYS HAS BEEN ON THE MARKET FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS, IT HAS RETAINED ITS START-UP MENTALITY.”

In November 2019, you moved into Infosys’ new Technology and Innovation Centre at the “Fürst und Friedrich” on Friedrichstrasse. What will happen in the future at this site?

The first pillar here at the new Düsseldorf location is project business. In addition to classic IT services, this involves topics such as artificial intelligence, big data or hybrid cloud. It also deals with new assembly line technologies for customers from the industrial and automotive sectors, smart city concepts for the public sector and many other IT innovations. The second main pillar is training and education. Thirdly, we offer exhibitions and showcases to show customers how they can use IT for their purposes. One example that I personally find very exciting is a software for measuring brain waves. People with limited mobility, for example, could one day use this technology to control their wheelchairs. Our customers get to know such innovations right here on site.

What has been the response so far from experts and university graduates to join Infosys at the Düsseldorf location?

We have about 5,000 square meters of space for 300 employees and we are already half booked. That’s a great response for the few months we’ve only been here. We are in close contact with the Heinrich Heine University, the Hochschule Düsseldorf and other universities in the area in order to attract further committed staff.

The COVID-19 pandemic shook the world economy only a few months after the opening of the Düsseldorf location. How are you experiencing the crisis and what effects are being felt?

The corona virus presents companies and entire industries worldwide with an unprecedented challenge that we have never experienced before. We, too, had to react quickly and adapt to the new circumstances, for example by working on the move - the protection of employees, customers and partners is the top priority, along with maintaining operations. However, the crisis also holds potential, particularly in terms of digitalisation. In Germany in particular, many companies are still in the early stages of their digital transformation and must now quickly rethink, develop strategies and introduce digital technologies in order to be competitive in the “new normality”. This goes hand in hand with the necessary “upskilling”of employees, i.e. the workforce must be regularly trained in the use of new technologies such as robot process automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, etc. This applies not only to companies, but also to the public sector such as government agencies or even schools and universities.

“WE ARE BRINGING TOGETHER THE BEST OF TWO NATIONS HEREe.”

Von Big Data bis Künstliche Intelligenz: Im Technologie- und Innovationszentrum von Infosys präsentiert Andrea Hendrickx mit ihrem Team IT-Lösungen zum Ausprobieren.

What is your impression of the Indian work mentality? And to what extent does it possibly complement the German one? 

I believe we are bringing together the best of two nations here. Germany is known for its thoroughness. It is often still noticeable at nine places after the decimal point (laughs)! Companies from India are known for their great ambition and for quality. In addition, many Indian entrepreneurs and employees bring a great deal of verve, agility and zest for life with them - things that we unfortunately sometimes lack here in Germany ...

You studied economics. What brought you to IT? 

My first job after my studies was in the insurance industry. Already here IT projects fell into my area of responsibility. From there I went into management consulting. That’s how it all started. To be honest, there was not much calculation or planning behind it. My first job was the only one I applied for, after that I was always asked: Do you want to take on this or that job? That was of course a very comfortable situation. It’s still the same today: only if I really have the secure feeling that it fits, I say “yes”.

“I’M KEEN ON NUMBERS AND I’M A WOMAN - THAT’S A GOOD COMBINATION, RIGHT?”

So, would you describe yourself more as an emotional person?

I’m keen on numbers and I’m a woman - that’s a good combination, right? IT without emotions doesn’t work anymore: In the past it was all about bits and bytes - today customers want buying experiences, today we discuss user friendliness and the like. So emotional factors play a very important role here.

Which topics are important to you besides your job? 

Medical topics interest me very much. I trained as an alternative practitioner, but due to my new position the official registration has to wait. For a while I took over the sponsorship for a child in Ecuador, currently for a family in Bangladesh. As soon as time allows, I will visit them. In addition, I used to be actively involved in disaster control with the relief organisation ADRA, but now I can only support them financially due to time constraints. Furthermore, I am a forest patron of the Nature Conservation Association and support the planting of trees in Rwanda and Ethiopia. Oh, and I also have a passion for collecting: I collect medical lasers.

 You’ll have to explain that!

These are lasers that can be used, for example, to remove tattoos or soften scars. I know that sounds very particular, but I am excited about the possibilities of medical laser technology. Maybe it’s because I enjoyed watching Star Wars as a child ... In the Eifel, where I live, I have set up a small practice for laser treatments, but this is a project for a hopefully busy “retirement”. Now I am looking forward to my new tasks at Infosys! •

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FACTS AND FIGURES

Infosys ist ein weltweit tätiges IT-Unternehmen mit fast 250.000 Beschäftigten. Es wurde 1981 von sieben Informatikern gegründet und hat seinen Hauptsitz in Bangalore (Indien). In Deutschland war die Firma bisher an sechs Standorten und über 30 Kundenlokationen aktiv, u. a. in Berlin, Erlangen, Frankfurt, München, Stuttgart und Walldorf. Im November 2019 eröffnete sie in Düsseldorf ein neues Technologie- und Innovationszentrum im „Fürst und Friedrich“ an der Friedrichstraße. Unterstützt und betreut wurde sie dabei von der Wirtschaftsförderung Düsseldorf.

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Words: Elena Winter
Pictures: Melanie Zanin

"GOOD COMMUNICATION IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY "

For almost 140 years, the Breuninger brand has stood for high-quality fashion. It can be experienced at Düsseldorf's Kö-Bogen in Germany's second largest flagship store since 2013. Andreas Rebbelmund, its Managing Director, spoke with VIVID publisher Rainer Kunst during a running session about leadership, multi-channel strategies and lessons learned during the Corona period. 

Left: Name Rainer Kunst Job Publisher of VIVID - Right: Name Andreas Rebbelmund Job Managing director Flagship store Düsseldorf Company Breuninger

The Corona pandemic has also hit the retail sector hard. By the end of March 2020, Breuninger also had to close its shops for several weeks. How do you personally feel about this extraordinary time?

It is a surreal time, somehow bizarre. But you learn to deal with it very quickly, because everything must go on. And in the Breuninger team, we have done that relatively quickly. Personally, I didn’t expect this situation to be so extensive and didn’t believe how long we would have to deal with it. But as I said, we have learned to deal with it. 

Leadership is currently particularly in demand in companies. As a manager, how do you pick up your employees in this respect?

I believe that good communication is the order of the day. Our employees are our most important and valuable asset. This was particularly evident during the lockdown phase, when many people were working from home. We had to react quickly, be agile and come up with new things. For example, we set up a corona hotline for employees, we have WhatsApp groups in our teams to disseminate information quickly. As a good manager, you have to be transparent towards your employees and be close to them, especially now. At Breuninger, we live for positive emotions and maintaining them in this special situation - that’s what I call leadership. 

What exactly was it like after the lockdown when you reopened your flagship store? 

Day one was, after all, subject to major restrictions: We were only allowed to open 800 square metres of the 15,000 square metres of sales space. Again, agility was required: Which areas exactly are to be opened? How many people are allowed to enter the building? etc. The most important thing in this phase was to show presence and make it clear: “We’re back.”

Breuninger was already well positioned in terms of multi-channel marketing. Did this become noticeable in the pandemic situation?

Absolutely! Our online channels have been a great help to the Breuninger brand and also to the stationary trade in the aftermath, especially during lockdown. Because our customers were also able to engage with the brand in a positive way during this time. We were and are in contact with many customers via Facetime and the Breuninger app. But that shouldn’t hide the fact that the number of visitors to our stores has fallen. It is now increasing slightly again but less than before Corona. Customers are now coming to shop in a much more targeted manner and they stroll less, are less carefree. You can still feel the uncertainty. 

What formats and channels do you intend to use to reach your customers in the coming months?

Basically, we work heavily via our Breuninger Card. We continue to have new arrivals and of course we also communicate them. But naturally, we rely strongly on emotions and it is important to think about how to communicate these emotions to the customers despite the situation. Future formats for this simply have to look a bit different, they have to be more complex. For example, we are planning smaller event formats for autumn and winter 2020 to give our customers a bit of normality and security back.

What lessons have you personally learned in the last few months?

We are in this pandemic situation and we have to get used to it and deal with it - that is the greatest lesson for me. It is very helpful that we are a multi-channel company, because it keeps our brand in the limelight, both in terms of business and image. It has also confirmed that communication is the greatest asset we have. Especially the communication with our teams. This also requires stability, that you pass on to your teams. And I have learned that you have to try out new things - become fast, be agile - without knowing whether the new ways will really work. 

All of this puts a great deal of pressure on you as a manager. Where do you get the strength and energy for this?

I do a lot of sport, for example. Three times a week I go running – already at 6 am. And I recently started playing golf. That certainly helps me to keep a cool head in the current situation.

Would you like to see the city take certain actions to support trade?

I would like the city to be even more responsive to trade and gastronomy. For example, by allowing to open the one or other Sunday before Christmas for sales. This would also give customers more security because it would equalise the frequency of visits to the city and it would mean more sales for businesses.

What makes Düsseldorf different from other cities you have lived in?

I originally come from the Ruhr area and moved to Düsseldorf for the job eight years ago. I’ve lived in other beautiful cities, but I have to say: I am in no rush to leave Düsseldorf anytime soon. I feel really passionately about Düsseldorf. I like the size and centrality of this city. People are very open and you get to know each other quickly - the mentality of the Rhineland is very similar to that of the Ruhr area, I think. As a family we feel very much at home here. •

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ANDREAS REBBELMUND

• Since 2013: Managing Director Breuninger Flagship Store Düsseldorf; since 2008: working for Breuninger 

• 2004 -2008: Purchasing, sales, marketing and personnel manager, Prokura Behrens & Haltermann GmbH & Co.KG, Itzehoe 

• 1995-2004: Konen Bekleidungshaus KG, Munich, lastly as purchasing manager (boys- and menswear) and Marketing Manager, previously Coordination Central Purchasing Menswear, Assistant to the Purchasing and Sales Management

• Before 1995: Sales – sales representative; Sales – office service for the Bäumler Group

• Personal passions: Diving, skiing, running, fitness training, Kite surfing 

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ABOUT BREUNINGER

Das Fashion- und Lifestyle-Unternehmen Breuninger wurde 1881 gegründet und zählt heute zu den führenden Multichannel-Department-Stores in Europa. Mit einer exklusiven Auswahl an internationalen Designermarken und ausgesuchten Newcomer Brands setzt Breuninger hohe Maßstäbe in den Bereichen Fashion, Accessoires und Schuhe, sowie Beauty, Sport und Home & Living. Im Breuninger Flagship Store Düsseldorf im Kö-Bogen inszeniert man seit 2013 internationale Marken auf über 15.000 Quadratmetern. Der im Jahr 2008 gestartete Online-Shop www.breuninger.com zählt zu den erfolgreichsten im Premiumsegment.

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Words: Tom Corrinth
Pictures: Frank Beer

WHY DÜSSELDORF? CHRISTIN SCHMIDTFRERICK

Having grown up in a tiny village of no more than 900 people in the rural Emsland region in northern Germany, Schmidtfrerick moved to Düsseldorf in 2018 for a work placement at Saatchi & Saatchi. And as the advertising agency offered her a fabulous job opportunity straight after, she decided to remain loyal to her beloved adopted home. As a talent manager, the 24-year-old ensures that other young people get enthusiastic about Düsseldorf – among other things through the initiative ‘Beyond Königsallee’.

Why Düsseldorf?

When I was younger and visited Düsseldorf from time to time, I always enjoyed it immensely. In contrast to the more reserved people in the north of Germany, people in Düsseldorf are much more approachable and open. That was one of the reasons it was top of the list when I was looking for a work placement – and it did, indeed, work out!

My favourite place for relaxing?

I live just by Grafenberger Wald. As a ‘country girl’ the forest appealed to me from my very first visit. It’s where I love to walk or go for a run. And I also like the Zoopark.

My favourite place for eating out?

My favourite Italian restaurant is ‘La Luce Due’ in Flingern, they do super delicious Italian cuisine and it’s very good value for money. I also enjoy having coffee and cake at Café Hüftgold in Flingern. And Brauerei Kürzer is my favourite to have a glass of Altbier after work – I really enjoy the atmosphere there and the cool clientele.

My favourite place for experiencing the city’s culture?

I really like the Theater an der Kö. And the Tonhalle is really quite impressive in my opinion. When you look at it from the outside you would never guess at the unusual atmosphere you experience inside.

My absolute insider tip?

When I have friends over from home I love taking them to the rooftop bar of the 25hours hotel. And if you like drinking wine then the wine bar Eiskeller is the place. •

A LIFE AT THE TRADE FAIR

For almost four decades Werner M. Dornscheidt has passionately shaped Messe Düsseldorf - most recently as Chairman of the Board. In an interview with VIVID, he talks about the most important achievements during this time, his relationship with the city – and what an Honorary Consul of Mexico actually does.

Werner M. Dornscheidt

You have worked for Messe Düsseldorf for an impressive 37 years. How do you feel now without the trade fair?

Take a look at Messe Düsseldorf. I am glad that I was allowed to contribute to this. And that I know ‘my’ company is in the best hands. With their many years of trade fair experience, the “new former” management team of Wolfram N. Diener, Bernhard J. Stempfle and Erhard Wienkamp is the ideal trio to lead Messe Düsseldorf through the Corona crisis and position it successfully for the future. I can now enjoy my retirement with a clear conscience and complete peace of mind. After all, I am Honorary Consul of Mexico and will continue to hold this honorary position in the future. At the Honorary Consulate on the ground floor of Messe Düsseldorf. That way I am still near the centre of action at least.

Since 2006, you are Honorary Consul of Mexico. What exactly does one do in this position - can you give us an example? 

This is definitely a task that should not be underestimated. Sometimes we have 20 people here during office hours who need something. For example, a Mexican mother of four arrived who had no help here in Germany - and one of her children was seriously ill. We then found families who volunteered to take in the other children while she had to be at the hospital.

“I AM GLAD THAT I WAS ALLOWED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS.”

On July 1, 2020, Wolfram N. Diener (on the right) succeeded Werner M. Dornscheidt as head of the trade fair.

One of your achievements is that Messe Düsseldorf has become increasingly international. How exactly did you achieve this? And what does this increasing internationalisation mean for the city?

I am proud of the fact that the portfolios have evolved, the number of events in the largest international portfolios alone have more than doubled for example. We also have become more international. In mechanical engineering, for example, almost 80 percent of our customers come from abroad. This is certainly also due to the strong sense of service with which the entire team goes to work every day and which has always been very important to me personally. And of course, the offshoots of our leading trade fairs around the globe - with a contact person on site: Today Messe Düsseldorf has a global network of 77 foreign representatives, including 7 subsidiaries, in 141 countries. Düsseldorf’s trade fair, congress and event business has a positive impact on the city. According to a study by the ifo Institute, it generates average additional tax revenues of 36.3 million euros per year. Added to this are purchasing power effects of 1.66 billion euros and 16,664 jobs, which are secured by Düsseldorf’s trade fair and congress organisers and their events in the region.

Another focus of your work was the digitalisation of the trade fair business. Why is that so important? And how can this strategy cushion the current challenges posed by Corona? 

The subject is unavoidable nowadays and I am glad that we at Messe Düsseldorf started early on. Internal procedures and processes are therefore better and more efficient. But above all it is about customer relations and increasing the benefits of participating in a trade fair. Today, for example, exhibitors can use an online order system in the run-up to the trade fairs to book all the relevant services for their trade fair appearance from a wide range of products - from the right number of sockets to almost complete stands. And with digital services such as matchmaking, visitors can individually filter out the most relevant exhibitors before their stay in Düsseldorf and arrange appointments with them. That’s a great thing and helps particularly in difficult times like the Corona pandemic: because exhibitors and visitors feel they are being accompanied and supported on all levels.

“LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS, A CLEVER INFRASTRUCTURE AND AN ATTRACTIVE RANGE OF SERVICES ARE NEEDED.”

You are a Düsseldorfer at heart. What does this city mean to you and what makes it so special? 

I love this city. But this is mainly due to the people I was able to meet here and whom I appreciate very much. You have to spend time together with nice people, then the world is quite alright.

Düsseldorf has shown a strong, economic development in recent years. What do you think 

it will take for this to continue? 

A strong trade fair, of course! No, joking aside. However, the success factors between the trade fair and the city are not so very different: long-term investments, a clever infrastructure and an attractive range of services are needed.

May we know what other activities and hobbies you will be focusing your energy on in the future?

I would like to look after my grandchildren and go on nice city tours with my wife. And I would like to improve my fitness, because I didn’t really get around to that while I was so busy with work. Now that I have the chance I would like to go for walks by the sea, and I finally have to lose 10 kilos. A hobby? I like fountain pens. I have 34 fountain pens sitting nicely side by side in my cupboard. Maybe I’ll add one or two more now. •

www.messe-duesseldorf.de

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WERNER M. DORNSCHEIDT

• from 01.01.2004 to 30.06.2020: Chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, working for the company for almost 37 years

• since 2006: Honorary Consul of Mexico

Most important achievements at Messe Düsseldorf:

• more internationality: e.g. in 2004, 65 foreign representatives in 104 countries, currently 77 foreign representatives in 141 countries

• Pioneer of the digital trade fair: Online presentation for exhibitors on 365 days

• Co-initiator of the SAVE FOOD initiative to combat food waste

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Words: Tom Corrinth
Pictures: PR