ARTIST TV Blankeneser Neujahresempfang 2020 Interview mit Christian Völkers

A very, very long history. The creditworthiness for 44 years, I've grown accustomed to more moderate things. My grandparents have accompanied me since childhood via the Klönschnack. But it especially accompanies me in business since we began our seeding. The origins of Engel & Völkers started at Elbchaussee 414, of course with the regional newspaper. We nearly met once on Mallorca, where you had a charity event, I believe it was about golf or polo. We had a similar encounter, but at least we met on a yacht with Engel & Völkers.

I have a lot to say, but I'll try to keep it brief. A very important point is that I left the active management of the existing brokerage business at the end of last year. The company now has 12,000 employees and 1,000 offices worldwide. We are well represented globally, and I am now focusing on full digitalization and automation of the business, using greenfield approaches. We are reinventing the house brand with a new concept. Markets are stable, we are profitable everywhere, so it's an all-around good situation.

I am very fortunate to have a great CEO who has been with the company for 20 years. We work in the same office and exchange ideas daily. There is lively exchange. But digitalization and new technology require full attention. So I've let go a bit, knowing the company is in good hands, while still being able to run the business—it's a lot of fun.

Work is less intense, so I spend more time on family and the internet. I am enthusiastic about the many opportunities. To be a successful entrepreneur, you need the power to implement, creativity, and money. Now I've added experience. With these four things, I have enormous productivity. I invest it heavily. Privately, I enjoy sports like polo with friends and Argentine professionals, and I have young children. I live near the Hamburg airport and have a daily routine.