32. Andreas Ronken

Shownotes

32. Andreas Ronken, CEO of Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG (Ritter Sport) – Leadership Edition

Family Businesses Between Volatility and Innovation

"Quadratisch. Praktisch. Gut' – this slogan is as well known in Germany as the Ritter Sport brand itself. However, even for well-established family businesses such as Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG, the operating environment is changing noticeably: volatile commodity markets, unpredictable harvests and rising customer expectations are placing new demands on strategy and leadership. Andreas Ronken, the CEO of Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co., spoke to the podcast hosts Joy EdwinThanarajah and Harald R. Fortmann. about how the company balances price fluctuations and quality standards. He discusses the importance of SME thinking, Ritter Sport's innovative strength and how the company adapts to changing market conditions. Other topics include price sensitivity, international expansion, the importance of quality and taste, and leadership and corporate culture. Andreas Ronken also provides insights into future developments in the chocolate industry, explaining why resilience is becoming a key success factor.

Overview of the Contents of this Episode:

• Innovation is in Ritter Sport's DNA.
• They have pursued sustainability for over 30 years.
• Price sensitivity is a key issue for chocolate.
• Growth markets are located outside of Germany.
• Quality and taste are important internationally.
• Consumer behavior often depends on economic conditions.
• A SME mindset is crucial for success.
• Leadership must stabilize and drive change simultaneously.
• Resilience is crucial in times of crisis.

Further Links:

• Andreas Ronken on Linkedin
• Ritter Sport Website
• Joy Edwin Thanarajah onLinkedin
• Harald R. Fortmann on Linkedin
• Harald R. Fortmann on Instagram
• Deininger Website
• Five14 Website
• Suits & Sneakers on Linkedin
• Suits & Sneakers on Instagram

About Suits & Sneakers

Suits & Sneakers is a podcast for decision-makers. In the Leadership Edition, Deininger Group CEO Joy Edwin Thanarajah and Harald R. Fortmann, managing partner of the personnel consulting firm Five14, talk to leading executives about new working environments, changes in leadership, and their many years of experience in building and managing companies.

About Deininger

Deininger, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is one of the leading executive search consultancies in Germany and operates with a global network of partners. Since its foundation in 1981, Deininger has specialized in identifying and recruiting top executives for companies in a wide range of industries. With business and industry expertise, Deininger supports clients in filling key positions in a dynamic market environment and a changing business world. With many years of experience and a focus on quality and sustainability in cooperation, Deininger has established itself as a trusted partner for national and international companies, from start-ups to larger medium-sized companies and corporations. Deininger - Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, China, Dubai, Great Britain, India, Poland and USA.

About Five14
Five14 is an executive search boutique that connects companies with individuals who shape change. From digital transformation to the age of AI, we identify executives who combine technological expertise, strategic vision, and cultural leadership.

Traditional “post and pray” recruiting no longer works here. Five14 stands for a new kind of search: targeted, discreet, networked, and always on equal footing. Our team - multiple award-winning consultants with decades of experience in marketing, sales, and corporate management in the digital industry - supports start-ups, medium-sized companies, and corporations in actively shaping the working world of tomorrow.

We make an impact, not just fill positions. As partners to our clients, we act openly, transparently, and in accordance with the principles of proper personnel consulting (BDU). Sustainability and social commitment are firmly anchored in our DNA: Since our founding, we have been climate-neutral and invest 14% of our profits in social projects.

Five14 – Executive Search for leaders who shape the future.

About this podcast production

• The intro voice-over of the podcast was recorded by Chérine De Bruin.
• The Deininger podcast “Suits & Sneakers” is a TON.EINS production.