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Alexander Wickel
Corporate Sourcing Analyst General Procurement bei Volkswagen AG
Professional Background
Alexander Wickel is a dedicated professional with a strong passion for corporate purchasing and a robust background in strategic procurement processes. Currently, he serves as a Corporate Sourcing Analyst in General Procurement at Volkswagen AG, where he actively pursues accessibility for start-ups and new business models within the automotive industry. His commitment is to streamline Volkswagen Group's procurement practices to not only embrace innovation but also foster agility in its operations.
Alexander's philosophy centers around the notion of strategic direction in corporate purchasing. He envisions a future where supply chain operations are not just efficient but also sustainable. Within his current role, he is part of the operational sustainability team in procurement, working collaboratively with partners to embed sustainable practices within VW’s procurement processes. He believes that security of supply is paramount and seeks to achieve this goal through cooperation and innovative thinking. His forward-looking perspective on integrating sustainability into procurement indicates his intent to drive meaningful change in the industry.
Before joining Volkswagen AG, Alexander built a solid foundation in procurement and digitization at AUDI AG. His experience included serving as an Expert in procurement digitization, innovation, and consulting, as well as focusing on IT service procurement for digital sales. His deep understanding of the automotive industry's nuances has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate complex procurement landscapes successfully.
In addition, Alexander made significant contributions in various roles at AUDI AG that included managing the procurement of licenses and standard software, along with acting as a Series Production Buyer for heat exchangers and air conditioning components at Rittal GmbH & Co. KG. His diverse roles have enabled him to gather a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making him a valuable asset in the field of corporate sourcing.
Education and Achievements
Alexander's educational background is noteworthy, having completed a Master's degree in Economic Sociology with a focus on technical competence from Technische Universität Kaiserslautern. This advanced degree has provided him with a strong analytical framework to assess economic policies, market dynamics, and organizational behavior, all of which are crucial for successful procurement strategies.
Prior to his master's, Alexander earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Industrial Engineering from Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen. This degree laid the groundwork for his technical expertise and understanding of engineering principles, enhancing his ability to connect technological innovations with business requirements effectively.
Contributions to the Industry
Throughout his career, Alexander has actively contributed to the evolution of procurement practices in the automotive sector. His expertise in procurement digitization and innovation has played a pivotal role in improving operational efficiencies and adapting to emerging business challenges. His commitment to corporate sustainability underscores his vision for a more responsible procurement process that benefits all stakeholders involved.
By prioritizing agility and innovation in procurement, Alexander aims to position the Volkswagen Group at the forefront of industry trends, ensuring that it remains competitive while embracing sustainability. He is eager to engage in dialogue about how collaborative efforts can bring forth transformational changes not only for VW but for the automotive industry as a whole.
With a strong focus on supply chain security and sustainability, Alexander Wickel is poised to influence future procurement strategies through his dedication and leadership in corporate purchasing.
Achievements
Some of Alexander's notable achievements include:
- Successfully implementing sustainable procurement practices at Volkswagen AG, impacting the overall supply chain.
- Contributing significantly to digitization efforts at AUDI AG, enhancing procurement efficiency through innovative technological solutions.
- Leading procurement initiatives that support agile methodologies, enabling faster adaptation to market changes.
- Developing strategic partnerships with start-ups to promote new business models that align with the company's vision for future mobility.
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Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
Mesh offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Mesh offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Mesh's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
Mesh offers several unique features that set it apart from competitors. Mesh focuses on aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of a user's network, consolidating data from various sources. Its Nexus AI feature is particularly innovative, allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network. Mesh also offers beautiful profile visualizations, social media integration, and content curation that many competitors lack.
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