Steffen Kern

As Director Purchase / SCM, I am responsible for the strategic purchasing within the uvex sports group for all finished goods (in-house production and merchandise) for the uvex sports and Alpina Sports brands . In addition, I am responsible for the implementation and realisation of a company-wide make-or-buy strategy as well as the selection, support and development of all suppliers. Furthermore, I work with the sales and product business units for the development and design of new business areas (diversification) as well as for strategic cooperations (e.g. licensing issues with Disney). As a sports economist (University of Bayreuth), I have been able to gain a lot of valuable experience in my professional career in various management positions (product, sales, purchasing/suppy chain). The year 2020 in particular was characterised by previously unknown challenges, especially in global procurement.