Verena Rathjen
About Verena Rathjen
Verena Rathjen serves as the Vice President of Axis Communications EMEA, focusing on creating a smarter and safer world. She has held various leadership roles in the lighting industry, including CEO positions at LEDVANCE and significant roles at OSRAM and Siemens Management Consulting.
Current Role at Axis Communications
Verena Rathjen serves as the Vice President for Axis Communications EMEA, a position she has held since 2017. In this role, she focuses on creating a smarter and safer world through innovative technology solutions. Her leadership is centered around enhancing operational efficiency and driving strategic initiatives within the organization. Rathjen's tenure at Axis Communications spans over seven years, during which she has contributed to the company's growth and market presence in the EMEA region.
Previous Experience at LEDVANCE
Rathjen has extensive experience at LEDVANCE, where she held multiple roles, including CEO of Global 'New Business' and CEO of Global 'SMART Business' while also serving as Head of LED Lamps Europe. Her responsibilities included profit and loss management and overseeing strategic initiatives. She was involved in the advisory board for LEDVANCE from 2016 to 2017, contributing her expertise in professional trade luminaires and smart home technologies.
Background in Project Management and Strategy
Rathjen has a solid background in project management and strategic marketing, particularly during her time at OSRAM. She worked as a Project & Booth Manager for the Light + Building Exhibition and held the position of Head of Strategy and Strategic Marketing, focusing on the transformation from traditional lighting to SSL/LED technology. Additionally, she served as a Strategic Project and M&A Integration Manager, further enhancing her expertise in strategic initiatives.
Education and Professional Development
Verena Rathjen studied Marketing and Business Management at the University of Applied Sciences Berlin from 1999 to 2003. Her educational background laid the foundation for her career in business management and strategic consulting. Throughout her career, she has emphasized the importance of understanding customer needs and fostering open communication as key components of effective leadership.
Leadership Philosophy and Values
Rathjen advocates for leadership styles that prioritize open and authentic communication. She believes in the value of building on individual strengths to unlock workforce potential and utilizes regular feedback to encourage personal growth among team members. Additionally, she promotes the practice of taking time-outs for reflection, emphasizing the importance of appreciating personal achievements in a professional setting.