Katja Lange
Global HR Project Manager – Human Resources, IT, Finance, Logistics & other support functions"At Ålö people really care"
Since the merger with JOST 2020 we now have the opportunity to work more closer together within HR since Katja Lange joined our HR team in Umeå in April 2022. Katja is an Global HR Project Manager from JOST in Germany that will be with us for one year. We have done an interview with Katja to hear more about her background and what she will do during her time in Sweden.
Background:
I am from a University town about the size of Umeå called Jena in Germany. I went to a bilingual school for English. I studied intercultural management in Bremen and Tokyo. I moved around quite a bit until settling in the Frankfurt area to work for JOST in 2016. I worked in Bavaria for the past two years before moving to Umeå a month ago.
What was it that attracted you to come to Ålö in Sweden?
With Ålö joining the JOST world, we have a great opportunity to learn from one another. I was really curious to work in a new environment – within the Swedish culture and Ålö company culture. I enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and understanding new perspectives. Ålö offers a very modern way of working and an open-minded company atmosphere. I believe we can learn a lot about how to be an attractive employer and how to approach digitalization from Ålö.
You have now been with us for a few weeks. What is your first impression?
Right from the first calls with my manager, Susanne, I could feel that at Ålö people really care. The team have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. There is a very open atmosphere between the colleagues that is tangible down to the open office space. Feedback is asked for and worked with consistently. I feel very inspired by the fearlessness of how new ideas and changes are approached. Everyone is very committed to driving Ålö’s success.
Tell us more about what you will do during your time at Ålö?
I am at Ålö in Sweden to create a better understanding between Ålö and JOST and especially make use of best practice within HR. We will create joint initiatives towards developing a common company culture and collaborating better in the future. Furthermore, we will work on improving our processes and digitalization within HR on a global scale.
Interests:
I love to go on backpacking trips especially through Asia – the nature, culture and the food is just a thrill! Day to day, I enjoy hiking, pilates and cycling.
