Dr. Hanns Martin Kaiser is Bischof+Klein’s new CEO. You can get to know him a little better here.

Personal information: Hanns Martin Kaiser grew up in Dülmen and studied chemistry at Clausthal University of Technology. Following periods of research in Durham (UK) and Harvard (USA), he obtained his doctorate in Rostock. He dedicated the first few years of his career to developing and acquiring innovative business fields for international chemical and pharmaceutical companies. 

Over the past 13 years, he has held various positions at one of our printing ink suppliers, the family-owned company Siegwerk. These included senior roles in general management as well as in the areas of strategy, human resources, technology, and development.

Since September, he has been living in Lengerich during the week. He spends the weekends with his wife and two children in Niederkassel in the Rhine-Sieg region. He is an enthusiastic soccer fan and enjoys going to both classical and modern concerts. To unwind, he often goes on extended hikes or bike rides with his family.

Interview

Welcome to Bischof+Klein! Let's start off with a fundamental question: Hanns or Dr.?

H: Hanns – that makes things simpler. And I can well do without the Dr. Team spirit is far more important to me than titles. So far, the best experiences I've had have been with flat hierarchies.

Even before you officially started on September 1, you took the time to visit the plants and conduct discussions. What was this initial contact like?

H: The encounters were extremely positive. I am grateful that I was able to become acquainted with all of the locations right at the beginning. I was given a warm welcome everywhere: in Telford, Walce, Pont-Audemer, Konzell, and Lengerich. The many open, trusting discussions made it vastly easier for me to get off to a start and made a good impression on me right away.

Where have you encountered Bischof+Klein in your career so far?

H: For over ten years, I have been focusing on printing inks for flexible packaging. Of course, I constantly encountered Bischof+Klein in that regard, particularly with respect to the development of innovations. This collaboration was always characterized by a high degree of professionalism and great mutual respect. 

What are the primary tasks facing you as the new CEO?

H: My first step is clearly to really get to know and understand the people and the company. An organization of this size is a complex organism – and we all bear a joint responsibility for its vitality. Together with the team, I will develop and implement new stimuli for growth and efficiency to make us at Bischof+Klein fit for the future.

How would you describe the "spirit" at Bischof+Klein?

H: I can sense great commitment everywhere, as well as extensive know-how and experience. I am particularly impressed by the combination of long-serving employees, possibly with a "family history" at Bischof+Klein, young colleagues, and people with prior experience from other companies who bring along new perspectives. When decades of experience encounter fresh ideas and innovative methods, it gives rise to a successful corporate culture in the very best sense.

What would you like to see as regards cooperation within the company?

H: Straightforwardness and reliability are particularly important to me. We do what we say and say what we do. That should apply to the work in both the executive board and throughout the entire company. Only in this way can we establish trust – and for me, that is the key to successful cooperation.