Confidence in one's own strength and abilities

Produkt + Markt, based in Wallenhorst, was founded in 1973. In recent years and decades, it has been led by managing directors and main shareholders Michael Albers, Heiner Junker, and Prof. Joachim Scholz-Ligma. Effective immediately, Katja Birke and Axel Schomborg will take over the management of the company as main shareholders and managing directors. Both have held long-standing senior positions at Produkt + Markt, have been shareholders since 2009, and have been responsible for and shaped significant developments of the company beyond their research areas in recent years.

"With great confidence and joy, we hand over the responsibility for Produkt + Markt to the next generation. The extremely positive response from our employees confirms that we have made the right decision," says Michael Albers with satisfaction. 

With this decision, the company consciously chooses to shape its future path by relying on its own strength and capabilities. Although an external sale was also an option, the conviction prevailed that Product + Market would benefit more from its own strengths and the power of its teams than from the advantages of a merger:

Katja Birke and Axel Schomborg bring not only a thorough understanding of Produkt + Markt's strengths but also a clear vision for the company's future. "We are focusing on the major industry topics ahead," describes Axel Schomborg regarding the path forward. Produkt + Markt has established its own Academy as a platform to maintain the team's skills at top level. Naturally, Artificial Intelligence is also high on the agenda. Early on, the institute developed solutions for market research, always with a focus on research quality and proximity to the target audience.

For Produkt + Markt, sustainability is naturally a part of being future-proof. "We are already well-positioned in ESG matters today, not only within our own company but beyond it as well," explains Birke. This also benefits our clients. The institute supports and advises its customers in improving their ESG performance. "We will continue this path towards greater sustainability consistently," emphasizes Birke.

Despite a strong focus on the future, the new management team leaves no room for doubt on one point: Produkt + Markt’s commitment to quality and customer proximity remains unchanged. “Our passion for working closely with clients to develop solutions, adapting flexibly to their needs, and occasionally taking unconventional paths has led to many strong and long standing partnerships,” says Katja Birke. Birke and Schomborg are determined to uphold this proven formula for success.

This also means that clients can rely on continuity. Their established contacts and the full range of services will remain in place. Day to day collaboration and the company’s fundamental orientation will stay exactly as they are.

Confidence in the company’s strengths and its future is further underscored by the fact that many long standing companions have chosen to actively shape the future of Produkt + Markt as shareholders. Dr. Dirk Aderhold, who has increased his stake, along with Christiane Bernsen, Carolin Globisch, Claudia Greischel, Juliane Nafroth, Dr. Ludger Rolfes, and Tanja Schröder, all remain committed to Produkt + Markt. By acquiring shares, these well known and leading figures are clearly signaling their continued support.

The former leadership trio of Michael Albers, Heiner Junker, and Prof. Joachim Scholz Ligman will also remain involved for the time being. During the initial phase, they will provide support and stability to Birke and Schomborg as they step into their new roles.