The DDIM Congress is the annual highlight for all those working in interim management.
Experts, decision-makers and interim managers met again in Düsseldorf in 2024 to discuss the latest trends and challenges. HANSE Interim was represented again this year with its own stand and our Managing Director Andreas Lau provided important insights into cyber security in restructuring.
Review of the congress
Highlights included presentations by personalities such as Prof. Dr. Günther Schuh and Rolf Schmiel, who shared their perspectives on the future of interim management.
They discussed digitalization and the shortage of skilled workers as well as the importance of flexibility and resilience in an increasingly complex market.
The networking character of the event in particular, with formats such as business speed dating, enabled intensive discussions and numerous personal insights.
The many short conversations over two days showed once again that interim management is above all a ‘people business’.
Effectiveness of the cyber security workshop
A particular highlight of this year’s congress for us was our Managing Director Andreas Lau’s workshop on cyber security in restructuring – what interim managers need to know! In view of the growing number of cyber attacks on companies in Germany, it is a highly topical issue and an integral part of the business world.
The workshop offers practical tips, including a checklist, on how companies can effectively strengthen their cyber defenses.
A particular highlight for us was the discussion with Prof. Markus Exler, a proven expert in corporate restructuring and board member of the BDU Association for Restructuring and Insolvency Consulting.
Markus Exler had already taken part in the workshop last year – and was so impressed that he integrated the findings directly into his work. One component of this was the checklist that we provided at the workshop. Thanks to this practical help and the impetus from the workshop, he was able to convince a client to take out cyber insurance despite initial resistance.
The result? Over 130 employees are now benefiting from greater cyber security! This example impressively demonstrates the importance of practical recommendations that trigger real change.
I was at Andreas’ workshop and thought to myself, wow, this is someone who talks about life. What was particularly impressive was that I was able to take away two or three charts from his presentation that I used directly with clients. That’s what this workshop is all about: practical knowledge that can be put into practice immediately and actually triggers change.
Prof. Markus Exler
We are delighted that our workshop served as the trigger for such a sustainable implementation with a renowned client!
You can find the short video with Prof. Exler and Andreas Lau on LinkedIn.
Award winners and special encounters
Another highlight of the congress was the presentation of the Interim Management Excellence Award. Among the award winners was Dr. Jan-Uwe Claas, whom we met at the speed dating event. He received the award for his impressive role in the market launch of the innovative drug Briumvi® – a project that shows how crucial strategic interim management is for success in dynamic markets. We congratulate Dr. Claas and the other award winners and are delighted that we had the opportunity to exchange ideas.
HANSE Interim in dialog: The role of networking
An essential part of the DDIM congress is the personal exchange, and this year HANSE Interim had the opportunity to make many new contacts. It was a particular pleasure for our new colleague Anna Ritschel to experience her first congress. Anna not only brings new ideas but also fresh impetus to the team and was delighted with the open and welcoming atmosphere at the congress. The conversations at the HANSE Interim stand and during the speed dating once again showed how important it is to regularly exchange ideas and learn from each other. Personal dialog is the basis on which we work together successfully and benefit from each other.
Fazit: Ein gelungener Kongress und wertvolle Erkenntnisse
The DDIM Congress 2024 has once again shown us that it is an indispensable platform for everyone in interim management. We take away valuable impulses and new ideas for our projects and are excited about the developments that the next year will bring. As HANSE Interim, we look forward to tackling the challenges of the future with expertise, passion and a strong community. This year’s congress reminded us once again how important it is to be ready for change – and that we can shape it together.
Speaking of valuable insights:
As promised, the key results of our survey on the dos and don’ts in interim management will follow in one of our next blog posts.
We would like to thank all participants in the survey. A total of 72 people took part in the survey, including 71 interim managers, 1 client and 1 financier.
Their insights and experiences have provided us with valuable insights to sharpen our quality requirements.
A big thank you to everyone for their time and valuable contributions!
We would like to thank our discussion partners and everyone who made the DDIM Congress such an event!
With best regards
Your HANSE Interim Management
Andreas Lau
