38. Jochen Sengpiehl

Shownotes

38. China as a new operating system? With Jochen Sengpiehl, ex. CMO Volkswagen, China and Global – The Power Shift Edition

Why does speed trump hierarchy in China and why have silos had their day?

In the Suits & Sneakers special edition “The Power Shift,” podcast host Harald R. Fortman talks to proven experts about the biggest economic powers of our time – and what we can learn from them.

In this episode, we take a closer look at China  – with a guest who does not observe the country from a distance, but has worked locally at the interface of global brand management, technology and cultural system differences for over three years. Following the first China episode with Moonie Zhu, today's focus is, among other things, on the perspective of the automotive industry  – one of the sectors in which competition between Europe and China is most noticeable.

What can the German car industry learn from the Chinese? Why is AI part of the infrastructure in China and is no longer a pilot project? And how do Chinese consumers make purchasing decisions?

Podcast host Harald R. Fortmann talks about this with Jochen Sengpiehl, one of the best-known marketing personalities in the European automotive industry, most recently Global CMO of the Volkswagen Group and ex. CMO of the Volkswagen Group in China. The focus is on China's structural advantages in the interplay of platforms, data and AI and the change in consumer expectations.

Jochen Sengpiehl describes why China is not simply a market, but an operating system  – with integrated AI, real-time data processing and a speed that is barely systemically representable in Europe. The result makes it clear that anyone who wants to be relevant not only in China must dissolve silo structures, understand AI as an infrastructure and rethink brand management as part of the entire value chain.

An overview of the contents of this episode:

• Platform integration as a value chain: From Alipay to WeChat
• AI is the supply chain infrastructure in China
• Data density as structural superiority: over a billion users
• Chinese consumers are more informed and less loyal to brands
• Development speed beats perfection
• Cross-functional teams and unified budget responsibility replace silos
• Germany needs a new agenda for future technologies
• The CMO must act at board level, because brand is commerce
• Agencies remain relevant as strategic drivers, not as workbenches
• Humanistic education is gaining in importance in the age of AI

Further links:

• Jochen Sengpiehl on LinkedIn
• Harald R. Fortmann on LinkedIn
• Harald R. Fortmann on Instagram
• Five14 webpage
• Suits & Sneakers podcast on LinkedIn
• Suits & Sneakers podcast on Instagram

About Suits & Sneakers

Suits & Sneakers is a podcast for decision-makers. In the Suits & Sneakers special series “The Power Shift,” podcast host Harald R. Fortman speaks with renowned experts about the greatest economic powers of our time – and what we can learn from them.

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 for the podcast was recorded by CHÉRINE DE BRUIN‍
• The Deininger podcast “Suits & Sneakers” is a TON.EINS production.