Our alumna Katja van Doren (class of 1991) studied Business Administration at the Faculty of Management Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne and the École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) in Paris. After graduating, she worked as an auditor and tax consultant for KPMG in Düsseldorf and Paris, before joining RWE AG in Essen as group head of the tax department in 1999. She has since held various management and executive positions at RWE and its subsidiaries, including at innogy, and most recently at RWE Generation, where she was a member of the Executive Board, first as Chief Financial Officer and then also as Chief Human Resources Officer. Since August 2023, she has been a member of the RWE AG Executive Board as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Labour Director. In our alumni interview, we spoke to her about RWE‘s transformation from a conventional energy producer to a leading renewable energy producer, how employees are involved in this transformation process, and how companies can encourage more women to take on management positions.

Dear Ms van Doren, after graduating from WiSo, you initially worked for KPMG in Düsseldorf and Paris for eight years as an auditor and tax consultant. You then moved to RWE in 1999 and have remained with the company ever since. What skills are needed to build a career at RWE today?

At RWE, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals who want to play an active role in shaping the energy transition towards a sustainable future, and who view this transformation as a valuable opportunity. It is also helpful to enjoy working in international teams and to have an interest in technical systems, performance and digital progress, e.g. Artificial Intelligence. A solid understanding of finance is also advantageous, as it helps to make informed strategic decisions in many areas. It is the combination of technical skills, curiosity, openness to change and team spirit that makes the difference at RWE, opening up exciting opportunities to help shape the energy sector of tomorrow.

The energy sector is currently undergoing a transformation. How has RWE changed since you started working there? And how are you managing to guide your employees through this period of change?

RWE is a company with a history spanning over 125 years, during which it has undergone many changes evolving from a conventional energy supplier to one of the leading producers of renewable energy. Each of these phases has presented its own challenges, but they have made us a stronger, more resilient company.

Our employees have always played a key role in our success. They are highly qualified and committed, and have supported every change. This combination of expertise and dedication enables us to meet the complex requirements of the energy sector of today. We have confidence in our team and know that together we can successfully navigate any change!

To support our employees on our path of transformation, we are investing in accompanying programmes and further training opportunities. We are currently supporting all our employees in their engagement with artificial intelligence, offering various learning and development opportunities to promote an innovative, future-orientated working environment. Particular importance is attached to involving non-digital natives, breaking down fears of new technologies, and creating a safe environment for ‘trying things out’.

The terms ‘skills shortage’ and ‘generational change’ are currently omnipresent. As Chief Human Resources Officer at RWE, you are responsible for corporate transformation, too. How do you approach today's evolving labour market in your management role?

As an international and diverse company, RWE offers exciting and varied career opportunities, making it an attractive employer. At RWE, you can play a part in shaping the energy transition in a dynamic working environment spanning over 80 locations worldwide. Our purpose ‘Our energy for a sustainable life’ helps us to attract and find skilled and motivated personnel. This is why we do not experience the shortage of skilled labour to the extent reported by other companies.

In addition, our successful employer branding strengthens RWE's appeal as an international employer and supports our global growth strategy. In September 2024, RWE won gold and two silver awards at the prestigious Employer Brand Management Awards (EBMA), and in October received the ‘Best Employer Brand’ award at the Recruitment Marketing Awards.

In today's working world, flexibility is indispensable for both employees and employers, offering a wide range of options for organising efficient and successful collaboration. That is why, in recent years, we at RWE have developed a variety of customisable part-time models to meet the needs of our employees. We also offer a comprehensive personal development programme and our talent programmes ensure that we have the experts and managers of tomorrow.

Women are still underrepresented on the management boards of German companies – you are now at the head of a large DAX company. What changes do you think need to be made so that more women can follow in your footsteps? 

In my view, two aspects are crucial if we want to see more women in top company positions. Firstly, as you rightly say, we need positive role models who demonstrate that women can successfully excel in management positions. At RWE, we operate in a technical environment and have managed to increase the proportion of  women in management positions to 26%. Our goal is to increase this proportion to 30% by 2030.

It is also important to encourage women to pursue careers in technology and the energy industry from the outset of their professional careers. At the same time, it is essential to provide concrete support for both women and men in life phases such as starting a family. At RWE, for instance, we provide flexible working time models, childcare facilities, and customised career development opportunities to ensure that nobody has to choose between their career and family life. Recognising the importance of life outside work, we offer our employees a range of services via an external service provider to help them organise family life in the best possible way. Our family service provides advice on all aspects of childcare and education, as well as financial and legal matters such as maternity leave, parental leave or parental allowance. 

Are there any skills you learnt at university that you still use in your day-to-day work? What has had a particular impact on you from your time at university and is perhaps still with you today, whether it‘s an ‘aha’ moment, a certain way of thinking, or a special encounter?

As a business administration student in the 1980s, I had to be assertive and able to collaborate with others at the same time when dealing with a class of 1,000 fellow students each semester. This involved finding a seat in the lecture hall, borrowing books and copying notes – all skills that also help in the corporate world. My PIM/CEMS stay at HEC Paris had also a particular impact on me. As well as forming some lifelong friendships, it also led to my marriage to my French husband.

Looking back on your time at WiSo: What are your three top tips for our current students?

Enjoy your studies! Not every seminar will be suitable for you, nor will you need everything you learn later in your career. But it is this variety that makes it so special! You don't just learn specialised subjects, you also learn for life – and learning never stops anyway!

Networking is crucial, so get actively involved in networks such as the alumni network. Use these platforms to exchange ideas, build your professional network and find opportunities for internships or stays abroad. The relationships you build today could open doors for you in the future.

Cologne is the gateway to the world, so take advantage of the international opportunities offered by the university. Gain experience abroad, benefit from the university's high-calibre network and expand your personal and professional horizon!

Studying is a unique phase of life, so make the most of it!

Finally, please complete the following sentence: When I think back to my student days in Cologne, I remember...

… taking my first big step into adulthood and independence.

Mrs van Doren, thank you very much for your time and for this interview!

Questions by Pascal Tambornino