Could you introduce yourself?
I’m Axel, and I live in Strasbourg. I did a master’s degree at business school with apprenticeships at SFR (telecommunications company) as a marketing assistant, before passing through the automotive sector and then joining Bechtle as a partner manager in September 2021.
Could you tell us about how you started at Bechtle?
I arrived at Bechtle on the day they moved to their new Illkirch site, right alongside their boxes! I joined a young and dynamic marketing team that was in the thick of being reorganised. I felt at home straight away and was given a very warm welcome.
Could you tell us about your career?
In 2018, I completed a master’s in marketing, specialising in marketing and market intelligence at the EM Strasbourg Business School. During my studies I also had a placement in the marketing department of telecommunications company SFR. When I started out, I had been planning on taking a year out in Australia, but unfortunately I had to adjust my plans as the global pandemic hit at just that moment. So I entered into the automotive world as a marketing assistant for BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Mini and Volvo and in 2021 I joined Bechtle after having it recommended to me by an old classmate and now fantastic colleague, Elsa Baltazar!
What does your current role consist of?
A partner manager is responsible for the relationship between Bechtle and its partners. My main aim is to be the link between our partners and internal teams. I’m also in charge of developing marketing plans and action steering. In my daily work, I play a strategic role in analysing ROI of the various operations and guiding our future actions. I’m helped in the operational side of my work by Simon, who I have total confidence in and who has demonstrated his dedication.
In your opinion, what are the qualities required to be a partner manager?
Listening, liking the interpersonal nature of the job, and being in tune with the company’s strategy are essential qualities.
What skills have you learned since joining Bechtle?
Project management, team spirit, and better German :)
What’s the next step in your Bechtle journey?
At the moment, I’m really enjoying my current position but there are always great opportunities to grow professionally—perhaps something involving Europe?
Which three words best describe Bechtle?
Human, friendly, and sustainable
But enough about work. Do you have any hobbies?
I have one particular passion—the guitar!
I first picked one up at the age of 5 and have been playing in a rock band since I was 14.
I’ve always loved football too, running, and I took up boxing in January.
How would your friends and family describe you?
Dynamic, happy, sometimes a bad loser, but I have to admit I don’t really know why...
The film that everyone needs to see?
Reservoir Dogs (1992) from Quentin Tarantino. A classic, I love him as a director and for me this is his best film!
Your favourite meal?
Good old simple roast chicken and chips
And is there anything else we should know about you?
I’ve been to over 250 music concerts, but the highlight for me is still AC/DC in 2009 at the Hockenheimring where a giant train emerged onto the stage as the band played their opening song!
Solstice, Axel’s band