Change as an opportunity: Markus Bolte, Group Strategy and Transformation Officer at ams OSRAM, talks about strategy and transformation

Premstaetten, Austria, and Munich, Germany, (January 21, 2026) — Markus Bolte has been a member of the ams OSRAM Management Team for 100 days, serving as Group Strategy and Transformation Officer. In this interview, he explains why he sees change as a driving force for further development and how he aims to help shape the company’s future.

Looking back on your first 100 days, what has impressed you most?
“Definitely the team. The depth of expertise and level of commitment are outstanding. This gives us a strong foundation for what lies ahead for us as a company.”

What do you stand for in your role?
“Orientation, clarity, and closeness to the market. From my previous roles, I bring a strong understanding of   customer expectations and also of the new markets that are important and promising for us. Speed is crucial there — as is reliability. At the same time, our strategy and transformation must not only be ambitious but also workable in daily operations.”

Why do you view change as something positive?
“Because it enables us to develop further. Standing still isn’t an option. However, that doesn’t mean questioning everything for the sake of change. It’s rather about reducing complexity, sharpening priorities, and making things simpler.”

What aspects are most important to you when it comes to transformation?
“It’s essential to understand that people perceive change in very different ways. That’s why empathy is an essential part of any transformation process. Employees need to understand why something is changing — and know that they are being included in the process.”

Where do you currently see the most important levers in your work?
“First, in addressing legacy issues in a disciplined way, and second, in properly balancing time, cost, and quality. We must consciously decide in which cases perfection is critical and where speed matters more.”

You’ve talked a lot about speed, focus, and conscious decision-making. Where does this view come from?
“It has a lot to do with my own understanding of performance — and I often rely on marathon as a guiding metaphor. You don’t win a marathon by sprinting the whole way, but by keeping a steady speed you can maintain throughout the race. For our work, this means: not doing everything at once, but identifying the disciplines where we can truly win. With focus, perseverance, and the right speed. That’s how we can continue to perform at a high level and reach our goals successfully.”

Looking ahead?
“With confidence. At ams OSRAM, we have substance, experience, and a very strong team. Now it’s about moving forward with focus and perseverance.”