11/04/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/04/2024 03:40
4 November 2024
In our latest "Get To Know" series, we're thrilled to spotlight Maximilian Lenz, our Senior Key Account Manager for Strategic Partnerships in Europe. With nearly two decades of experience in the automotive industry, focusing on Remarketing, Maximilian brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for strategic development. As a key player at AUTO1 Group, he combines his expertise with a passion for driving success and fostering strong client relationships.
Can you tell us about yourself and your professional background?
I've dedicated the entire 18 years of my professional life to the automotive industry, working across retail, mobility, and remarketing. In recent years, my career has centered on advancing strategic growth and innovation within the automotive remarketing industry, focusing on corporate development and product enhancement across Europe. I began my journey by leading a pricing team, optimizing trade-ins and lease returns in the B2B segment to effectively meet client needs.
I then took on a role as Director of Business Development, where I developed strategies for business scaling and customer loyalty, analyzing market trends to enhance their competitive position. I worked on cross-business services and optimized the customer journey to build lasting relationships with key accounts, particularly in the European corporate segment.
Most recently before joining AUTO1 Group, as Head of Corporate & Product Development, I spearheaded strategic initiatives to drive corporate growth through innovative partnerships and alliances while also overseeing the evolution of our product landscape. I collaborated with senior leadership to improve performance and customer satisfaction, overseeing the evolution of our product landscape. These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the automotive market, and I'm now focused on further strengthening the B2B segment and driving revenue growth for Europe at AUTO1 Group.
What are your main responsibilities at AUTO1 Group?
At AUTO1 Group, my primary responsibilities encompass two key areas. Firstly, I focus on identifying and exploring new opportunities by leveraging networks, participating in events, fostering local relationships, and engaging in tenders. Secondly, I manage strategic European partnerships. While the day-to-day operations are handled by teams in the respective local countries, my main task is to ensure the success of these partnerships from a strategic perspective. A crucial aspect of my role is coordinating between the customer and AUTO1.com. Every day, I am in constant communication with team members from various departments and countries, and equally important is my interaction with customers to ensure mutual satisfaction.
What has been your most important learning at the company?
I've actually known AUTO1 Group for 12 years, initially through a partnership with my former employer. Reflecting on those early days and observing AUTO1 Group's journey, I've seen it grow into a strongly growing competitor back then and an interesting company overall. While rapid growth can sometimes bring challenges, the team has achieved remarkable success. Now, having joined AUTO1 Group, the expectations are high, but the support from everyone is incredible, allowing me to contribute to the success through my work.
What advice would you give to people who want to join the Remarketing team?
The most important aspect is having a passion for both our customers and the company. At AUTO1 Group, Remarketing is our B2B sales solution, providing our selling partners (such as dealers, OEMs, rentals, and leasing companies) with access to the highest prices across Europe for their wholesale inventory, combined with fast processing speeds. Working with this team offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute ideas and work in an exciting, growing field. We are well-positioned to continue our strong, profitable growth, supporting our customers and helping them thrive with our services.
Maximilian was a speaker at the Remarketing Expert Track 2024, where he shared his expertise on successfully managing B2B remarketing and key insights about how AUTO1 Group supports our partners in navigating shifts in the automotive industry. We invite you to watch the full webinar here:
Look out for more Get-To-Knows from our AUTO1 Group colleagues in various markets, each with unique stories and experiences to tell. To start your story, find the list of open positions on our careers page. We welcome applicants of all genders, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds to apply.