Matthias Lippe looks back on 14 years with Axpo Germany

Sometimes you have to be persistent. Matthias Lippe looks back on his early days at Axpo, which didn't quite go according to plan at first. Today, Matthias has been with Axpo Germany for close to 14 years and oversees three teams.

An emotional moment

Matthias Lippe remembers his first day at Axpo’s Leipzig office, nearly 14 years ago, as if it were yesterday. “When the office door opened in front of me for the very first time, it really was an emotional moment. And I still get that feeling today,” he says.

Returning to the city of his birth, where he studied industrial engineering before working in other east German locations, clearly meant a great deal to him. As did the opportunity to take on a new role as data manager in a company poised for growth.   

Over the intervening years, as Axpo continued to prosper, Matthias moved up the ranks. Today he is Head of Operations and Data Management, responsible for three different teams.

The company invests in the individual #AxpoWorld

Looking back, Matthias recalls with a smile that it actually took him two attempts to get a foot in that door. When he first applied for a position at Axpo, the job went to someone else, despite his making it through to the last round of interviews in Switzerland. But Matthias’s determination eventually paid off when he was hired by Axpo after putting himself forward for a second time. That achievement still makes him proud today. 

“The work is extremely rewarding both from a professional and personal point of view,” Matthias says. “Good strategic decisions by Axpo have had a very positive impact, and not only on growing the business. While the company obviously invests in the business first and foremost, crucially it also sees and invests in the individual. And that is very much in line with my own credo. I want my team members to feel supported in their work environment. I want them to look forward to going to work.”

No limits to personal development

Matthias strongly believes that good collaboration – including with other Axpo offices abroad – effective communication and flexible working arrangements are among the key factors making Axpo such a rewarding place to be. Opportunities to develop are equally important, he says: “The amazing thing about Axpo is that there are no limitations on individual growth. As long as one shows interest and dedication, the company will be very supportive. And I’m only too happy to vouch for that with our new joiners.”

Team spirit is yet another factor that encourages people to stay with Axpo, he says, including himself. Over time, the Leipzig team has grown so close that they also get together outside work. Recent activities include taking part in corporate running events and even a beach volleyball tournament. 

What is Matthias’s vision for Axpo Germany? “I would love to see us continue to focus on the delivery of solutions and innovation for our clients, while building on the amazing culture of togetherness that we have here,” he concludes.