Meet the Procurement Leaders at Germany's Biggest Companies

Germany's reputation for precision engineering and operational excellence is built on a foundation of sophisticated procurement strategy.

German CPOs are recognised worldwide for their systematic approach to supplier management, quality control and supply chain optimisation. 

Here, Procurement Magazine looks at five procurement leaders at Germany's biggest organisations, revealing how they leverage the country's engineering prowess and industrial expertise to drive efficiency, innovation and sustainability across their procurement functions.

Volkswagen Group: Automotive excellence at scale

Volkswagen Group is a German multinational conglomerate and Europe's largest automotive manufacturer, producing vehicles across brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, SEAT and Škoda.

The company also operates in financial services, commercial vehicles and automotive software, with a major focus on electric mobility, new mobility business models and global operations in over 150 countries.

Dirk Große-Loheide began his career at Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg in 1990 as a machine procurement specialist. His career progressed through several senior purchasing roles, including positions at SEAT in Martorell starting in 1994 and later at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover, where he became Board Member for Procurement and Production in 2007.

In 2011, he took on broader responsibilities as Board Member for Procurement for Volkswagen's North American operations in Puebla, Mexico. Two years later, he expanded his scope to oversee procurement of services and systems across the entire Volkswagen Group.

Dirk joined MAN Truck & Bus in 2017 as Board Member for Procurement and Head of Procurement for what is now the TRATON GROUP, which includes MAN, Scania and Volkswagen Truck & Bus. He returned to Volkswagen Group headquarters in Wolfsburg in April 2019 as Head of Group Operations Procurement before becoming Board Member responsible for Procurement at the Volkswagen Brand in October 2019.

In April 2020, he moved to Audi AG in Ingolstadt, where he served as Board Member for Procurement and IT. Since January 2023, he has held a position on the Volkswagen Brand's Extended Executive Committee and Board of Management, overseeing procurement across all Volkswagen Group brands and regions worldwide.

Deutsche Telekom: Connecting Through Trusted Partnerships

Deutsche Telekom is Germany's leading telecommunications company, providing mobile, fixed-line, internet and IT services across Europe and globally. It is also active in digital services, cloud computing and enterprise IT, operating subsidiaries such as T-Mobile in the US and BuyIn for procurement alliances.

Heading up procurement is Rainer Hoff, Chief Procurement Officer, who says: "We are a reliable, innovative partner for our customers on our way to the digital future. We connect people and businesses. We are building the network of the future.

"Our highest aim is to provide our customers the best possible service. To do so, we need reliable suppliers and partners who offer high quality and competitive prices."

Deutsche Telekom places strong emphasis on maintaining ethical, trustworthy relationships with both its customers and suppliers. All partners are expected to meet its rigorous standards across environmental, social and ethical dimensions.

Deutsche Telekom and Orange have consolidated their procurement operations through BuyIn, a joint Procurement Alliance that handles sourcing across four key categories: customer equipment, information technology, network technology and service platforms. Organisations interested in becoming suppliers in these areas, or those seeking general procurement information from either company, should reach out directly to BuyIn.

Day-to-day procurement operations, including billing management and purchase order processing, fall under the purview of Deutsche Telekom Services Europe SE.

Mercedes-Benz: Leadership Transitions 

Mercedes-Benz Group is a global automotive company headquartered in Germany, renowned for luxury vehicles, commercial vans and mobility services under the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands. It focuses on innovation, electrification and premium mobility solutions worldwide.

Its procurement operation has been led by Markus Schäfer, who joined Mercedes-Benz's Board of Management in May 2019, initially overseeing Development & Procurement before expanding his role to Chief Technology Officer in December 2021. In this expanded capacity, he directs the company's comprehensive vehicle development strategy and procurement operations for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Markus' career spans more than three decades, beginning in 1990 through an international management programme. He has held progressively senior positions across multiple continents, including operational leadership at the Egyptian plant, executive direction of the Tuscaloosa manufacturing facility in the United States and strategic oversight of production planning, supply chain management and manufacturing operations for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer before assuming his current responsibilities.

This December, Jörg Burzer will take over responsibility for the Board Division of Development & Procurement and the role of Chief Technology Officer. Having joined Mercedes-Benz's Board of Management in 2019, he began taking on expanded responsibilities in 2021. 

His current portfolio encompasses Production, Quality and Supply Chain Management, positioning him to oversee a sprawling global manufacturing network of more than 30 facilities producing vehicles, powertrains and batteries, alongside coordinating worldwide logistics operations. Throughout his tenure, he has held several senior leadership roles across the company's international operations.

BMW: Automotive Innovation

BMW Group is a world-leading manufacturer of premium automobiles and motorcycles, headquartered in Munich, Germany and known for the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. It also provides mobility and financial services, prioritising sustainability, digitalisation and technology leadership.

BMW Group considers environmental and social responsibility fundamental to its purchasing and supplier relationships, with particular emphasis on human rights protection and ethical business conduct. The company recognises that automotive production depends on diverse mineral and organic raw materials, exposing workers throughout the supply chain – from component manufacturing to raw material extraction and processing – to potential risks that demand careful oversight.

Circular economy initiatives represent a significant strategy for addressing these concerns, as they diminish reliance on primary raw material extraction. The company integrates environmental and social standards across its entire value chain, from component design and commodity planning through procurement protocols, supplier partnerships and performance management systems, with compliance requirements embedded into contract agreements.

Joachim Post had led the procurement operation in his role as board member responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network, but, earlier in 2025, he was named as the new CTO and Dr Nicolai Martin was named as his successor.

Nicolai began his career at BMW in 2004, initially working in Development Driving Dynamics. Over the next 14 years, he held multiple managerial roles in Driving Dynamics, Driving Assistance and General Vehicle Development, shaping BMW's advancements in vehicle performance and safety.

In 2019, he transitioned into electrification, leading the Development of Electric Drive Systems, before taking charge of Automated Driving and Driving Experience from 2020 to 2023.

In 2024, Nicolai took on leadership of BMW's Product Line for Mid-Size and Luxury Class, overseeing models from BMW and Rolls-Royce. By October 2024, his role expanded to include BMW ALPINA, which will go under BMW ownership at the end of this year.

Allianz: Sustainability as a Strategic Imperative

Allianz is a global insurance and asset management company based in Germany, offering life, health, property and casualty insurance, as well as financial services, to both individuals and businesses. It operates in more than 70 countries and is recognised as one of the world's largest insurers.

Valentina Fanni serves as Chief Procurement Officer at Allianz, having taken on the role in 2022. Under her leadership, Allianz has become an official member of the SPP League of Champions by supporting the Sustainable Procurement Pledge (SPP).

In a post on LinkedIn announcing the news, she wrote: "Sustainability is one of Allianz's top priorities. By integrating sustainable sourcing practices into procurement, we commit to leveraging the impact of our procurement decisions to create positive impact for people, communities and the planet and particularly to drive action towards achieving net-zero targets across operations.

"Through the Pledge, Allianz can further empower and equip procurement professionals to leverage collective power and impact. By joining and celebrating World Sustainable Procurement Day Allianz commits to PledgetoChange and continues working towards a sustainable future."