Thomas Kiefl takes over company management
A new chapter is beginning at our Chiang Mai location: on May 1st, 2025, Thomas Kiefl will take over company management of Bluechips Microhouse Co., Ltd., and will initially manage the business together with Mr. Thomas Zimpfer.
Thomas, you will take over company management in Chiang Mai on the 1st of May together with Thomas Zimpfer. How are you preparing for this new challenge, and what insights do you hope to gain from this collaboration?
Thomas: I am intensively preparing for the new tasks and am looking forward to collaborating with Thomas Zimpfer. We have already identified many valuable synergies, and I hope from this collaboration to gain even deeper understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities of the Chiang Mai location. At this point I would like to express my warmest thanks to the Zimpfer family for their commitment and their trusting cooperation.
Starting on July 1st, 2025, you will take over sole company management. What are the central challenges and opportunities you see in this new role?
Thomas: One central challenge will be to maintain the existing dynamic and positive team spirit and to expand on that. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities here to strengthen our presence and activities in Asia and exploit new market potential.
To what extent do you see the Chaing Mai location as key to Zollner expansion in the Asia-Pacific region?
Thomas: The Chiang Mai location has central significance for our expansion strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. Through close collaboration with our Chinese location, we can significantly expand our market presence and exploit synergies to increase our competitiveness. Chaing Mai additionally supports our Local-for-Local strategy, which allows us to react faster and more flexibly to the needs of the local market.
How do you perceive the strategic role of Chiang Mai within the global structure of Zollner?
Thomas: Chiang Mai is strategically critical to our global structure because it acts as a bridge between our Asian and international locations. This collaboration with the locations in China and other regions makes it possible to exchange Best Practices and harmonize our global processes.
What in your view are the greatest strengths of the team in Chiang Mai?
Thomas: The greatest strengths of the team in Chiang Mai are definitely the highly developed team spirit and high level of commitment of the employees. The combination of technical competence and Thai warmth creates an utterly positive working environment.
To conclude: What is the most important moment of learning you had in the preparations you’ve made up to now as the future General Manager in Chiang Mai?
Thomas: The most important learning moment for me was recognition of how important cultural sensibility and adaptability are in international leadership roles.
Thank you for the interview, Thomas. We wish you great success and joy in your new role!
