What attracted you personally to take on the role of CPO (Chief Product Officer) for Large Scale Storages at NOVUM engineering and what makes Novum’s product portfolio interesting for you?
I was impressed by the team’s creative technical ability right from the start and already knew of Novum’s unique expertise in battery analysis. I therefore wanted to be part of this unique and efficient team. I was particularly fascinated by how NOVUM combines complex battery technologies with practical solutions. The product portfolio is particularly exciting for me because it is not only technologically very advanced, but also creates real economic added value for customers while actively supporting the energy transition.
What surprised or particularly impressed you when you first came into contact with NOVUM?
I was particularly impressed by the in-depth expertise in battery technology, coupled with the latest big data and AI-based analyses, as well as the incentive to make it safer and more sustainable. In my opinion, this combination of knowledge and skills is currently unique. It goes without saying that the high level is practiced at Novum, because the methods are actually used in projects. I was also positively surprised at how practically this specialist knowledge is put into practice. NOVUM is not just about theoretical innovation — every analysis, every algorithm is developed in such a way that customers benefit directly from it. This interplay of technology, practice and customer benefit sets the company apart.
What tasks at NOVUM are you particularly looking forward to?
What I find particularly exciting is the opportunity to work with colleagues to further develop products so that they fit perfectly into customers’ processes. I am also looking forward to expanding NOVUM’s market position and further developing solutions to anchor them even more broadly in the market. I find the opportunity to work at the interface between product development and market positioning particularly appealing. It motivates me to work with the teams to develop innovative features that really make our customers’ everyday lives easier.
How do you recognize a successful technology product?
In principle, the success of products can always be measured by customer acceptance. In the case of NOVUM, success can be measured by the extent to which our solutions support our customers in using their energy storage solutions. I also think it is important that a product is not just sold once, but that it creates real added value over time. In other words, that customers use it continuously, recommend it to others and integrate it into their long-term strategy.
You have already worked on products in various industries. What experience or principles have you been able to gather so far and will you take with you into management at NOVUM?
I have worked in various industries and company sizes — from SMEs to large corporations. This experience helps me to better understand and categorize the customer’s perspective and their internal decision-making processes. Processes are very different: a company with a few hundred employees works differently to one with tens of thousands, and the requirements for white goods are different to those for electricity storage or aviation.
I have learned that successful product development always requires a balance of technical excellence, market understanding and close collaboration with users. For NOVUM, this means designing technical innovations in such a way that they are understandable, directly applicable and offer real added value for our customers.
What is important when it comes to making complex technologies such as AI-based battery monitoring usable and understandable — for customers and internal teams alike?
Storage technology and AI are still relatively new technologies that are only partially covered internally by our customers with the relevant specialist expertise. Our customers’ management teams have little experience, but in some cases have exaggerated expectations of these topics. They are therefore in particular need of explanation. For our customers, it is primarily about clearly explaining the added value of NOVUM’s products and “proving” their capabilities.
On the other hand, customers’ needs, i.e. their expectations of products and legal framework conditions, are not yet set in stone and it is therefore essential to continuously incorporate these into the products. It is crucial that both customers and internal teams not only understand the technology, but also gain confidence in it. This is achieved through transparent communication, practical examples and measurable results.
What impressed you most during your first time at NOVUM, both technically and interpersonally?
I was particularly impressed by how closely the teams work together and how quickly everyone can become part of this team. The open and helpful corporate culture makes it easy to get started. I was already familiar with the technical expertise. The natural way in which knowledge is shared and every opinion counts is also impressive.
In addition to an in-depth look at NOVUM’s products, you will also be active in the area of storage consulting and qualification and support our customers in making a suitable selection. What do you bring to the table for our customers in this area?
Having been able to manage the technical side of the customer site myself, I can also contribute personal experience and point out mistakes that I have learned from. Today, this experience helps me to take the customer’s perspective and understand what questions they ask and where they may overlook stumbling blocks. This is a great advantage because I don’t just argue from a product perspective, but can really advise from the customer’s point of view. I can give practical recommendations that come directly from real use cases and thus minimize the risks for customers.
You live near Munich, NOVUM is based in Dresden. How do you manage to find a good balance between the two cities and between your professional and private lives?
In the car 😉 In fact, I often use the journey to organize my thoughts. Furthermore, a car journey also offers the opportunity to discuss many topics on the phone, as you can speak largely undisturbed and the driver’s seat and office chair make no difference here.
