DIY store boss without barriers

Walking through the market with you, you feel a different atmosphere.

Sebastian Gundel: It's nice that you notice. Yes, I actually think that some things have changed.

For example, you are on a first-name basis with everyone in the company.

When I started on 30 September 2022, I said: I'll be on first-name terms with all of you from now on. You don't have to call me by my first name, and if someone doesn't want to be called by their first name, please tell me. I think that's right because it breaks down barriers. I don't wear a suit and tie any more either. Our business takes place on the sales floor, our people are in contact with the customers every day. I don't want to create unnecessary barriers here either, just because people don't dare approach me and don't know how to address me. That doesn't mean that everything will be great. Nevertheless, I believe that this is very important. I want to be able to talk to everyone on the surface - and remain accessible and communicate.

Would you say that something has changed there?

Definitely. The employees at the central locations give us positive feedback regarding the clarity of Obi's vision and goals. In addition, we want to further strengthen the exchange across the entire organisation and integrate feedback even better, for example on market processes.

What goal are you pursuing with this?

We need an organisation that empowers everyone involved even more to think and act together in one direction. Our vision is to be the first point of contact for our customers when it comes to home and garden. And everyone at Obi should know what their own personal contribution is to this. We want to successfully implement things faster. This is also about the sense of responsibility in each individual role, from the store managers to the bathroom planner to the contact person. My approach: through this kind of cooperation, this openness, feedback and error culture, we also get clear guidelines and requirements implemented. Because we are very clear about the structure and the direction in which we want to move. And along the way, it's about empowerment.

After all, you don't originally come from retailing, but from consultancy ...

... but I only covered retail there ...

... but at Obi, like everyone else, you have to go out onto the sales floor once a year. What is your favourite role there?

I would not say "have to". The store days, as we call them, are an important opportunity for all colleagues from the headquarters to…