one: How did you react when you were asked whether you would like to take on the role of Chairwoman of the Management Board?

Tina Mangold: I was delighted, of course. Management is a very exciting and varied job. Since I had already held a similar position before I started at REWE Group in 2019, I knew that I would enjoy managing the region. I had no doubt that this was the right position for me.

one: How did you experience the change from full-range to discount in terms of the corporate culture?

Tina Mangold: I felt very comfortable in the full-range department, as I found a very respectful and appreciative corporate culture there. When I was asked to join the management of PENNY, I was assured that the corporate culture at REWE Group is appreciative across all divisions, and I can fully confirm that from my current perspective. In my opinion, this is what characterises REWE Group and is not necessarily present in this form at all competitors.

one: How did your colleagues react to the change?

Tina Mangold: I received a very warm welcome from all my colleagues. My colleagues have also emphasised that they are very pleased that a woman is now joining the management team.

one: At the start of your career, did you ever expect to become Chairwoman of the Management Board?

Tina Mangold: No, I really didn't expect that. My career has developed step by step. I've always tried to fulfil my respective tasks to the best of my ability and the next steps have followed. Fortunately, I had superiors who recognised and encouraged my talent.

one: How important is this support for women who have career ambitions?

Tina Mangold: This support is particularly important for women because they often underestimate their own potential and don't automatically raise their hand when it comes to a promotion. It is important that senior managers recognise their potential and encourage them to realise it.

one: What is the ratio of women to men in management positions in the sales department in your region?

Tina Mangold: In the PENNY South region, we have more women than men in management positions in the sales department. This is because we have many female store managers. However, we have few female district and sales managers. In general, this can be seen everywhere: The higher the management level, the fewer women are represented. Unfortunately, we lose too many women on the way to the top - that should change.

one: Why is that?

Tina Mangold: As I said, I believe that women are generally more reluctant to position themselves for more responsible tasks and are more likely to wait to be discovered. However, you also grow with the tasks of a new position. No one is born a perfect senior manager, so women should be more courageous and self-confident. However, the phase of starting a family is also often an obstacle. But there are solutions here too. The many female store managers show that it is possible to juggle a management position with a family.

one: Why is the professional advancement of women important to you?

Tina Mangold: I think that mixed teams of women and men with different backgrounds approach challenges in a more agile way and are ultimately more successful. That's why I would generally like to see more diversity in teams - and in management - for a strong company.

one: What are you doing to develop more women in management positions?

Tina Mangold: Apart from the very good programmes that REWE Group offers in this area, it is important to bring the topic into everyday life. I therefore encourage my entire organisation to plan and actively support careers. Our goal must be to develop more senior managers from within our own ranks and also to discover and promote female talent. Employee development and promotion is an active process and is absolutely essential for a strong and growing company.

I would like to see more women in management positions because we certainly have many talented women in the company and we cannot afford to give away this potential.

one: What tips would you give to young female employees who want to pursue a career in the sales department?

Tina Mangold: Be less self-critical! Have more confidence in yourself! It's a great job to form teams and it's fun to be able to shape things and exert influence. Be pragmatic and just go for it. At PENNY, everyone is there for each other and we help and support each other.