From the data foundation to the application of AI: At Brenntag, the world’s leading chemical distributor, digitalization is consistently measured by its operational impact – with the goal of accelerating processes, unlocking efficiency potential, and responding more quickly to market changes. CIO and Executive Committee member Markus Sontheimer explains how this transformation is being managed, where technology makes the biggest difference, and how digital initiatives can be embedded within the company on a sustainable basis.
What strategic issues is Brenntag’s top management currently focusing on? :
SONTHEIMER / At the moment, we’re primarily focusing on three areas: growth combined with building a true “sales machine,” optimizing our cross-border supply chains further, and determining how to effectively harness the potential of AI within the organization. We view AI not as an isolated technological issue, but as an integral part of our business processes and decision-making mechanisms. It is precisely in the interplay of these topics that it becomes clear how important it is to closely integrate sales, the supply chain, and technological innovation.
As a CIO, you are at the intersection of business and technology. What is particularly important in this role today? :
SONTHEIMER / It is crucial to develop a clear IT and digitalization strategy that outlines how IT should be organized within the company to deliver the “right” IT for the respective business model. For instance, this could involve supporting a cost leadership, innovation leadership or digital product provider model. Building on that, the goal is to develop an IT operating model that’s optimal for the company and to find the right balance between insourcing and outsourcing, as well as between building and buying. Another key skill is building successful, integrated teams that incorporate technological capabilities into the company’s processes and structures.
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