Global Executives Meet at WHU Campus for Corporate Transformation

Getting a company to the top is only half the battle; the other half is keeping it there. But the corporate landscape changes rapidly, and the organization in question has to change with it. What can today’s business leaders do to ensure their companies remain prosperous over time?

Board members and senior professionals from successful companies, based in nine different countries, were willing to share their insights at the Campus for Corporate Transformation, an annually reoccurring event hosted by WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management on its campus in Düsseldorf. Held this year under the title “Growth and Resilience in a Shifting Order,” the conference welcomed an exclusive and diverse group of managers and gave them an opportunity to connect on a more personal level. Operating under the Chatham House Rule, the conference functions as a more private setting where professionals can safely discuss business matters and learn from one another’s experiences. 

In attendance at the event to give their own perspectives were Rolf Buch (CEO of Vonovia SE), Dr. Christian Kohlpaintner (CEO of Brenntag SE), Dr. Rob Smith (CEO of Kion Group AG), Wolfgang Nickel (CFO of Bayer AG), Sreedhar N. (CFO of Saint-Gobain S.A.), Dr. Michael Müller (CFO of RWE AG), Dr. Karsten Wildberger (CEO of the MediaMarktSaturn Retail Group), and Dr. Kai Andrejewski (former CFO of Sixt SE). They gave attendees a window into how they have managed to weather challenge and change over the years. Their main points? Six key imperatives, that is, necessary factors, that lay the groundwork for success.

Six Imperatives of Successful Corporate Transformation

• Conviction: Corporate transformation starts at the top. As such, leaders must have a clear vision for the future and be fully dedicated to steering the company in a new direction. Their conviction and resolve will inspire confidence across the organization and act as the fuel needed to drive transformational change.
• Teamwork: Transformation is a team effort, and neither the CEO nor the CFO can do it all alone. On the contrary, leaders will need a strong, capable, and motivated team behind them. Empowering that team is crucial, e.g., by decentralizing the decision-making process, delegating responsibility, and holding each member accountable. A team that feels a sense of pride and ownership over these transformation efforts is key.
• Decision-making: Bold decision-making reflects a leader’s commitment and convictions. Their ability to make tough choices—particularly at critical moments—pushes the organization forward and reinforces both the direction and the urgency of the transformation.
• Speed: Leaders need to set transformation efforts at a pace that encourages continuous movement, thereby helping the organization adapt quickly in a fast-evolving business landscape. Failure to do so could result in these efforts losing momentum over time.
• Resilience: Transformation is a marathon, not a sprint. As such, leaders need to foster a culture of resilience throughout the organization, i.e., give teams the ability and latitude to weather setbacks and stay the course despite any obstacles that may come their way.
• Consistency: Leaders must ensure clarity and continuity for all those involved in the transformation efforts. Everyone must understand the pillars of a successful transformation, and that knowledge should define how they perform their duties. Consistent communication and action, at all levels, reinforce the company’s transformation strategy, build trust, ensure cohesion—and aid in achieving long-lasting, sustainable change.

As the experts all agreed, transformation is a continuous journey. And it is not a topic exclusive to businesses that might be struggling or under strong pressure to change. “Even established market leaders enjoying prolonged success in their respective industries must always have one eye on the future if they wish to remain ahead. That requires continuously reviewing and adapting the company’s business models, operations, teams, structures, and systems,” noted Professor Serden Özcan (Otto Beisheim Endowed Chair of Innovation and Corporate Transformation). “And we are thrilled to be providing, as one participant shared with me, an ideal platform for experienced professionals to delve deeper into these topics.”

As the organizers of this event, Professor Özcan and Professor Martin Glaum (Chair of International Accounting) work in tandem to ensure that the event facilitates open and honest discussion during which all participants have a chance to have their voices adequately heard.

Since its inception in 2018, WHU’s Campus for Corporate Transformation has put its attendees and their companies’ stories at the center. Today, it is now known for its intimate approach and collegiate exchange of knowledge.

Next year’s WHU Campus for Corporation Transformation is scheduled for October 23, 2025.

Click here to read more about the event.