"A jump into the deep end, but also an excellent opportunity”

Initially, he worked for Covestro's IT organization as a consultancy manager. He looked after maintenance and reconciled the shutdown management of industrial plants with the challenges of modern IT. Today, he works on the development of digital products and supports the implementation from the idea to the prototype in close cooperation with the demand side. But it is not only as a manager that he shows commitment. In addition to his job, Adrian Löffler completed a master's degree in Technical Management at the Rheinische Fachhochschule in Cologne. He also took part in the master class program of the European Institute for Industrial Leadership.

Adrian, what was the masterclass program about?

The training program consisted of several interactive workshops that took place in various major European cities - everything was still possible before Corona. The participants came from different industrial companies and during the workshops we worked together on topics such as strategy, business planning and business cooperation. In this way, we were prepared for future management tasks in the industrial environment.

What are your current responsibilities at Covestro?

As part of the still young Digital Solutions Lab department, I am responsible for looking after digital products in the company for the company in my role as Digital Product Manager. As the name suggests, the department has a strong lab character. We take an agile approach to innovative ideas that we receive from the departments in various ways and first evaluate their feasibility and added value for the company. If both are given, a prototype of the digital solution is developed. In my role, I am in close contact with the customer. The finished product is then passed on to other hands and our team moves on to the next innovative idea.

What has been particularly challenging so far?

My biggest challenge at Covestro was managing an IT project in a turnaround environment at a time when I didn't even know what a turnaround in the chemical industry was. That was a jump into the deep end, but also an excellent opportunity to take on responsibility. And my colleagues support me very well. These experiences strengthen me personally and have also shown me where I want to go professionally.

How do you experience communication in your department and between departments?

As part of the IT organization, especially through my interface role, I am always in close contact with other departments, such as the responsible department or purchasing. At Covestro, we communicate on an equal footing and work hand in hand. For me, this also characterizes the company: a real sense of community. The ideas of all team members are taken into account and everyone is listened to.

What benefits do you particularly appreciate at Covestro?

The company offers a lot of flexibility and the possibility of dividing up the work yourself - especially due to the pandemic-related home office time. Furthermore the Covestro share program is an interesting financial bonus.