German CEO Excellence Awards 2023

48. Leading Seafood & Delicatessen Importer CEO (Bavaria): Christoph Kagerer Kagerer & Co. GmbH is a leading importer of seafood, sushi and convenience products serving hospitality all over Germany as well as the wholesale business in Europe from Iceland to Morocco. Christoph Kagerer has been influential in the success of the firm, and so it was important that we learned about what has made the importing business so successful. Kagerer & Co. GmbH is renowned for importing genuine products directly from the source, thereby preserving the original taste of the products. The business is widely recognised for its stable quality, vast range of products and exceptional customer service. After obtaining a classical school degree in Germany, the CEO of Kagerer, Christoph Kagerer, showed a keen interest in food, customer service, and the international hospitality industry. Pursuing his passion, he completed his education in hotel management at the prestigious "Institute Hotelier César Ritz" at Lake Geneva, Switzerland. He underwent additional apprenticeship in the United Kingdom, Spain and, Australia to further his expertise. In 2007, Christoph had the opportunity to join the family firm, where he set out to craft his own path and became one of the revolutionary leaders in the food industry. It is clear to see why the company has been so successful. The business places high value on maintaining long-term partnerships with its suppliers and customers based on trust. At the same time Kagerer strives to remain dynamic and to modernize constantly putting innovation, trend, and idea generation at the core. This drive enables the team to continuously surprise and inspire their customers. It is not surprising therefore, that Kagerer can attract many potential new customers through word-of-mouth of its reputation. Kagerer takes a meticulous approach to all its projects. The company's focus on communication, collaboration, and attention to detail ensures that every project is completed on time, within budget, and to the client's satisfaction. Kagerer adopts a non-hierarchical leadership style that prioritises treating team members with respect and as equals. Christoph believes that the "command and control" leadership style is outdated and ineffective. Instead, the he ensures that everyone in the organisation understands and upholds the same values by communicating openly and involving the team in the decision making process. Christoph believes that it is the responsibility of all the leaders in the company to embody its culture and values and act as role models for the team. To build credibility and authenticity and create loyalty among the team, the personal attitude of leaders must be in harmony with the company's values. Christoph places great importance on teamwork, recognising that it is more important now than ever before. To achieve this, leaders must assemble and effectively lead diverse teams of individuals with different skills, characters, professional backgrounds, and nationalities. Kagerer emphasises a strengths-based approach to people management, and promotes collaboration. The business recognises that people management is a vital skill that requires a combination of forward-looking characteristics and qualities, including emotional intelligence, values-based behaviour, vision and mission, commitment, motivation, and consensus building. Asked about the future, Christoph states, that the world is experiencing era of upheaval marked by changes in world politics, technology, and culture. Old truth and certainties are being swept away, leaving the cards to be reshuffled. Moving forward, the leadership team at Kagerer know that navigating the paradox of this volatility with the constant of human nature will be key to remain successful. Christoph firmly believes that Kagerer can create a new future, despite the current uncertainties. As a result, the company has a positive outlook as we move to the future. Contact: [email protected] Company: Kagerer & Co. GmbH Web Address: www.kagerer.de Jan23199

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3