Post by Andreas Welsch

I love animals! And, I have two furry friends. That's why I am greatful for having had the opportunity to work with the largest European Pet Specialist Retailer Fressnapf Tiernahrungs GmbH on a few projects in supply chain and strategic procurement. I had the chance to support projects in Germany, France, Italy and Belgium, and also work on a Pan-European Basis. Most recently I acted as strategic buyer and category manager for Maxi Zoo Belgium, where I got in touch with all suppliers, revitalized some relationships and negotiated the annual agreements for 2025 in close cooperation with the European lead buyers. A big thank you to everyone in Belgium, who made me always feel welcome and the trips to Temse enjoyable. The new local team is now in place, and I wish them all the best for the future. Through these projects I got in touch with all Fressnapf/Maxi Zoo countries, a lot of different departments and too many people to mention them all. I'd like to thank everone in the central and local purchasing teams for the great collaboration, fun and energy. You know who you are. Also, a shout to the entire central SCM, Logistic and IT teams and the local teams at Maxi Zoo France and Arcaplanet who achieved great results in a very short time. Finally, a personal Thank You to the people who sponsored my projects and with whom I worked closest (even if some of them have moved on in the meantime): Sven Girmendonk, Heiko Buecker, Francesco Langenbacher, Marco Piel, Jan Wejbrandt, Maximilian von Haxthausen, Piotr Rusztowicz, Kathrin Keunecke, Daniel Behlert, Matthias Wenzel, René Pichler, Dirk Neirinck, Wim Soetens, Mihai Ilea, Etienne Dussot, Claudia Wich, Jennifer Sandmöller; Sonja Knufmann; Stephan Drame; Benjamin Fischer; Stefanie Petersen; Sarah Keiderling; Phuong Bludau; Bonney Maes; Robert Janečić; Pritty P.; Fabian Wingerath, Beata Amerek; Charles DE BRUCKER; Gerrit Stolzenbach ; Nicolò Galante; Laurent Pauze, Luca Albanese, Nadège Gana; Tom De Man and many others I couldn't mention because there is a space limit. A BIG thank you to all of you! It has been an honor and a pleasure. Andreas