Michael - Digital transformation as a success factor

Your vision is a smart and autonomous production for Animal Nutrition production facilities for Evonik. How would you describe your working mode?

It needs a balance of being innovative and practical! Our department is acting as Innovation Hub, actively scouting and introducing new technology in the market and industry to Evonik’s Production & Technology group. To do this effectively, we have to be well-connected across the ecosystem and remain agile to embrace change.

What is you approach to train your people?

When we talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML), we often talk about the technology, but I strongly believe the conversation should start with people. Human capital remains the core of any company, including Evonik – we need humans to insights from data to strategy. We need to have a training program that fosters acceptance and upskill our team. AI should be seen as tool – powerful, yes, but only as effective as the people who use it.   

What means good leadership to you?

To me, good leadership means serving the team and leading by example. It’s about aligning everyone towards a shared vision and creating an environment where people feel empowered to contribute and grow. In an innovative environment, failure is part of the journey, and it's essential to learn from those experiences. We also grow by exchanging knowledge with peers and by building strong network with digital ecosystem

What characterizes the vibe in Singapore?

It's a very dynamic place! We benefit from strong government support. There is a wealth of activities and courses focused on AI and ML, all underpinned by robust data privacy regulations. The landscape is also shaped by a vibrant start-up scene, which adds energy and innovation to the ecosystem. With digital transformation and AI increasingly support routine process, we continue to see enduring value in human judgement– especially in areas like safety, where decisions require experience, context, and a human touch

What means "Be Part of Something Special"for me?

It's  about contributing to a purpose-driven transformation—where engineering, digitalization, and leadership converge to create meaningful impact. Being part of something special means not just advancing technology, but empowering teams, shaping sustainable innovation, and turning vision into reality. It’s the journey of building smarter systems that serve both people and progress.

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