Change in Marketing Management at SMC Germany: Christian Ziegler hands over to Michael Junkermann

"The digitalization affects many areas of SMC. Together, we want to tackle the digital challenges of the future and develop solutions for communication and customers!" Christian Ziegler (right) has been the Manager of Digital Business Development at SMC Germany since April 1, 2019. Michael Junkermann (left) takes on the role of Manager Marketing & Communications. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

New tasks for Christian Ziegler: As Manager of Digital Business Development, he has been shaping the digital future of SMC Germany since April 1, 2019. His previous position as Manager of Marketing & Communication is taken over by Michael Junkermann at the leading manufacturer, partner, and solution provider for pneumatic and electrical automation technology. "Digitalization now affects almost all areas of SMC," explains Christian Ziegler. "Shaping this change will be an exciting challenge."

Actively shaping digitalization

Starting in 2015, Christian Ziegler was responsible for internal and external communication at SMC Germany as Head of Marketing Communications and Head of Marketing & Product Management. In his new position, he has set several goals: "I am fascinated by the broad approach of digitalization. It includes not only internal processes but also external offerings to customers. Therefore, I want to simplify internal processes together with my new team and develop solutions that the designer of the future will need. And I want to take all employees along on this exciting journey into the digital future."

Before joining SMC Germany, the 39-year-old electrical engineer and graduate industrial engineer worked in leadership positions in online marketing, marketing for machinery equipment and engineering, as well as industrial marketing at Bosch Rexroth AG. "In B2B marketing, the channels to customers have multiplied over the past five years," says Christian Ziegler. "Additionally, the quality of the conveyed content has gained a completely new significance. We are addressing this with the new website of SMC, which will go online this year." In his new role as Manager of Digital Business Development, he pursues a holistic development approach. "I enjoy taking up ideas and implementing them within the organization. Therefore, in Digital Business Development, we deal with internal processes and also consistently develop customer solutions. These include, for example, digital commissioning, data management, and the increasing networking of our products. After 13 years in marketing, I am very much looking forward to the new tasks in the field of digitalization."

Positioning SMC Germany at the center of the market

Michael Junkermann is also looking forward to new challenges. The B2B marketing expert started on April 1, 2019, as Manager of Marketing & Communication. "A clear focus on specific areas and markets, a defined strategy, and direct, personal communication are highly valued at SMC Germany," says Michael Junkermann.

The 55-year-old graduate geophysicist has 25 years of experience in marketing communication. Additionally, before joining SMC Germany, he was responsible for areas such as engineering and technical support, product management, strategic marketing, and operational excellence in various technical companies and industries, most recently in high-pressure hydraulics and fluid technology. Michael Junkermann: "My focus was often very much on supporting sales." The concentration on the German market is particularly exciting for the marketing expert: "Until now, I was active in EMEA and covered a broad range of markets, mainly in Europe but also worldwide. Now I can focus entirely on one country and its specific needs, together with great colleagues." Digital media play a particularly important role here. "SMC is perfectly aligned with its trend topics Industry 4.0, energy efficiency, and machine safety. I want to expand the use of modern communication channels while maintaining personal customer contact and the direct approach that SMC is known for." Collaboration is also at the center of Michael Junkermann's goals – within the Marketing Communication team and with other departments at SMC Germany.

Making SMC Germany sustainably future-proof

"Digitalization will bring about major changes for all of us – from employees to customers," says Christian Ziegler. "Therefore, it is all the more important to communicate these changes effectively." Michael Junkermann agrees: "Only when all areas of the company work together can SMC Germany remain the contact for pneumatic and electrical automation technologies. This requires innovative ideas and solutions that we develop together."