Leading Change: Regine Wolfgramm’s (SuMO 2024) Journey in Sustainability and Operations

Name: Regine Wolfgramm (LinkedIn)
Degree: MSc in Sustainable Management and Operations (SuMO) 2024
Position, Company: Sustainability Manager, Joh. Wilh. von Eicken GmbH

Looking back, what were the most valuable lessons or experiences from your time at KLU that continue to influence your work and leadership today?

What I valued most during my studies was the broad perspective on business and sustainability combined with what I call a zoom effect. The program encouraged us to look at the big picture: sustainability, global supply chains, and societal impacts and then zoom in to analyze individual business challenges in depth.

The interactive, case-based learning style and collaboration across cultures prepared me for real-world decision-making, where teamwork and diverse viewpoints matter as much as technical knowledge. Learning together, exchanging perspectives, challenging ideas, and co-creating solutions is still something I apply in my everyday life.

A highlight was working with my study peer, Christina Richter, on a sustainability toolbox for SMEs. It showed me how hands-on research and simple, accessible tools can help smaller companies integrate sustainability into their business models. That experience proved how academic knowledge can be applied in very practical ways, and it strengthened my motivation to pursue sustainable business practices.

I was also deeply inspired by Professor Meuer. His teaching encouraged me to look deeper into the sustainable development of companies and reminded me to stay persistent, even when change feels slow. He reminded us that while not every business or policy puts sustainability at the forefront, especially in times of war and economic pressure, it’s important to keep pushing for change. That perspective continues to guide me in my career today.

You’ve worked across different industries and cultures—what has been the most fulfilling aspect of your career, and can you share an example where your passion for sustainability truly came to life?

Seeing team members grow, develop, and take their next career steps is incredibly fulfilling. Mentoring and supporting them along that journey and watching their confidence and capabilities expand was always one of the most rewarding aspects of my leadership roles.

Another very fulfilling part of my job is that my company trusts me to chair the industry sustainability program, while enabling me to build a strong network within the industry and benefit from mutual exchange. This trust and collaboration make my work both meaningful and energizing.

During my time in the Dominican Republic as a cigar factory manager, I experienced the entire supply chain — from seed to finished cigar — and saw how many skilled hands create a single product. The role combined social aspects of supporting people and communities, environmental aspects of sustainable cultivation, and process-organization improvements to raise efficiency. Day by day, my passion for planet, people, products, and processes took shape in real, practical ways.

From your perspective, what are the biggest sustainability challenges facing your industry today, and how do you see companies responding to them?

The FMCG industry faces three big sustainability challenges: cutting carbon emissions across energy-intensive production and logistics; sourcing raw materials responsibly, ensuring traceability and fair social conditions; and reducing packaging waste while moving toward true circular systems.

Consumers increasingly expect transparency and sustainable choices, yet convincing more consumers to actively support and pay for sustainable products remains critical to scaling impact. Many companies respond with science-based climate targets, renewable energy, efficient processes, and circular-economy innovations. The real test is scaling these solutions across global supply chains and making them viable even for smaller suppliers and SMEs. For the tobacco industry, in particular, there is the added challenge of balancing environmental goals with ongoing social and regulatory debates around the product itself, which strongly shapes both consumer expectations and sustainability strategies.

How has combining your scientific background with your sustainability studies shaped the way you approach complex business challenges?

With a scientific degree, analytical thinking is deeply trained, which helps me navigate the complex arena of sustainable development. The SuMO program broadened my perspective and built a framework around my experience, linking sustainability, operations, and global business. It also sharpened my strategic thinking and connected me to a strong sustainability network, supporting my growth as a leader and lifelong learner.

Sustainability had already run through all my roles, from integrating agriculture and recycled materials into product innovations, to defining quality with sustainability in mind, managing environmental aspects in a laboratory context, and addressing social issues while leading a large team in the Dominican Republic. For me, the SuMO program created a framework around these experiences, connecting them into a broader perspective and further enriching my leadership for the future.

What advice would you give to current KLU students and professionals considering further education later in their careers?

Be open-minded when building your career. Not every step can be planned, and each one will broaden your perspective. With this mindset, you’ll find it easier to create impact, even in areas where solutions or change may seem far away. Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities appear where you least expect them. For me, it’s about embracing lifelong learning and feeling excited every time I grasp something new or understand a topic more deeply. It’s a constant reminder of how little I truly know. Just a drop of water compared to the ocean of knowledge; and its value goes far beyond career advancement. Staying curious is what keeps that journey alive.