Interview with Alexandra Mebus, Member of the Management Board and Chief Human Resources Officer at Zeppelin GmbH

"Our goal is an internationally networked, stable and efficient corporate structure"

Zeppelin GmbH is an international trading, engineering, and service company that specializes in construction machinery. The group is currently undergoing an exciting phase of transformation. To become the leading sales and service organization for Caterpillar products worldwide by 2030, the group is focusing on international realignment, expanding a future-proof portfolio, and adjusting the organizational structure. In this interview, Alexandra Mebus, Member of the Management Board and Chief Human Resources Officer, discusses the company's strategic priorities, the challenges of modern management in a technology-driven environment, and HR strategies.

What strategic priorities are currently at the top of your management agenda?

MEBUS The current focus is on integrating the PEPP Group, which sells and services Caterpillar products in Norway and the Netherlands, as well as the associated transformation phase. Through this acquisition, Zeppelin is strengthening its position as a leading global Caterpillar partner by taking over responsibility for the sales and service of Caterpillar products in Norway and the Netherlands. The focus is on international realignment, expanding a future-proof portfolio, and realigning and adaptating our organizational structure. A central "Transformation Office" manages these processes company-wide. The goal is to leverage synergies, further strengthen our customer focus, and secure sustainable growth. 

What (other) trends are you observing particularly closely - whether in technology, society or global markets?

MEBUS We pay particular attention to global developments, such as decarbonization, the growing importance of sustainable energy and drive solutions, and geopolitical changes. Technologically, we focus on progress in digitalization, automation, and networked machine solutions, especially in construction and rental solutions. From a social perspective, securing skilled workers, e.g. through flexible working models, in the changing world of work is becoming increasingly important. These factors influence not only markets, but also customer needs, business models, and investment decisions.