Mike's Story: Regionally Anchored in a Global Corporation

Mikes Story: Regionally anchored in a global corporation

 

What has always impressed me about Coca‑Cola? That one can act independently and flexibly here. But these were only two of the many reasons why I decided - after completing a apprenticeship as a retail salesman and ten years in sales – joining the company.

At the beginning of my career at Coca‑Cola HBC Austria, I worked as Business Developer in my home country of Upper Austria. After three years in this position I made the jump to the sales manager. At just 26 years of age, I was the youngest sales manager in such a leadership position at Coca‑Cola HBC Austria. Five years later, I was drawn to the big city. For me an excellent opportunity to go through various career stations and build up a valuable internal network.

Today, I am working as Regional Sales Manager for around 11,000 Gastro customers in Upper Austria and parts of Lower Austria. Together with my 22-member team, I make sure that our customers in the region are supplied with our products around the clock.

This includes the sale of our brands in the catering industry as well as the promotion of sales activities through an optimal activation and placement on site.


michael_freese

My most important mantra in running a regional sales team: The stage is left to my employees.

Michael Freese Regional Sales Manager North Region

As a leader, I have learned one thing above all else: Strategic thinking and the knowledge of operational challenges are the all-rounders if you want success in the market. Equally important ingredients are organizational talent and the ability to manage and develop a sales team.