Obi centralises purchasing

Obi is partially realigning its purchasing strategy. From 2026, the German DIY store group will change its responsibilities and processes with regard to its national subsidiaries. According to a press release, product ranges will be managed more strongly than before by global category management, supplemented by additional product ranges procured by the established national category management teams. In addition, the share of own brands is to be increased.

Central management in the Category Management division, which is headed by Chief Commercial Officer Jochen Ludwig, will remain with Martin Nanke, Senior Vice President Category Management & Partnering. The Group Category Management, the local category management teams of the national subsidiaries and all buying directors report to him. At the same time, local category management for the domestic market in Germany will be introduced…