Resolve acute business challenges and restore the ability to act
When there is economic or organisational pressure and it is important to establish quickly which options are viable and how they can provide a robust way forward.
I support decision-makers in complex business situations when the key questions are still open.
I identify and structure the critical questions, develop viable options and bring different interests together to create a solution that works in practice.
My perspective is shaped by more than 25 years of personal entrepreneurial responsibility – including operational management to this day.
When should you call me?
I bring entrepreneurial experience, structure and negotiation expertise to situations where difficult challenges require greater clarity and renewed ability to act.
Prepare and lead complex negotiations strategically
When the economic stakes are high, room for manoeuvre is limited and the parties’ positions are far apart.
Build or realign organisations and new markets
When new markets are to be developed or organisations built – or when existing structures no longer fit the strategy, growth, technological developments or changing market requirements.
What can you expect from me?
I combine entrepreneurial leadership responsibility with international experience, negotiation expertise and a clear focus on solutions that can work in practice.
I have built, led and developed companies and international organisations, entered new markets and taken responsibility for change processes through to implementation.
I have worked in widely differing economic, cultural and organisational contexts – with owners, investors, employees, landlords, business partners, advisers and internal functions.
International and cross-cultural collaboration has been a natural part of my work for many years. For me, this is not only about understanding different perspectives, but about bringing people and interests together and achieving something collectively.
Negotiation has been at the heart of my day-to-day work since the beginning of my career. I know different sides of the negotiating table and can therefore quickly assess interests, dependencies and room for manoeuvre.
I create analytical clarity, ensure practical viability and keep a clear focus on what makes economic sense.
How do I work?
Structure complexity
I start by identifying the critical questions and reducing the situation to its essential relationships and dependencies.
I draw on the knowledge of those involved, challenge assumptions and connect different perspectives to create a robust overall picture.
Discuss openly and clearly
I say what I think – even when it is uncomfortable. It is equally important to me to understand other perspectives.
Different opinions are not an obstacle to finding a solution; they are an important part of the process. What matters is that the relevant arguments are put on the table and used to arrive at the best possible solution.
Negotiate strategically
I look beyond stated positions to the underlying interests, dependencies and room for manoeuvre.
On this basis, I develop negotiation strategies and conduct discussions clearly and decisively. The objective is an agreement that makes economic sense, works in practice and can endure.
From decision to implementation
My aim is not to produce the most extensive analyses or concepts, but to create clarity and use the available resources effectively.
I do not develop solutions for presentations, but for the real world. Insights must lead to concrete decisions and from there to actionable steps.
This is not only about structures and processes, but above all about the people who take responsibility and shape change in everyday practice.
What experience do I bring?
More than 25 years of responsibility in international retail, real estate, business building, corporate leadership, change and complex negotiations.
25+ yearsLeadership and corporate responsibility
BuiltCompanies, markets, organisations
ChangedStructures, processes, business models
NegotiatedUnder economic pressure and with conflicting interests
ImplementedDecisions translated into tangible change
Orsay / Pimkie / Xanaka
Five market entries and more than 200 new locations across eight countries.
ECE Projektmanagement
Supported market entry into ten new countries through local subsidiaries, joint ventures and acquisitions. Built and led international organisations and held responsibility for major international projects.
LPP Germany
Built the German subsidiary from the ground up. Today, the business comprises around 20 physical locations, approximately 50,000 m² of retail space, five online shops, more than 900 employees and revenue in excess of €200 million.
During the restructuring, the rental burden across the portfolio was halved within a matter of months while preserving both the store network and the jobs.
Arko / Hussel / Eilles External mandate
Advised management and the insolvency administration on the development and implementation of negotiation strategies for a retail portfolio of more than 200 locations.
Who engages me?
My clients are decision-makers who need an independent entrepreneurial perspective and additional experience to address a complex challenge.
Owners and shareholders
When a business is facing significant change and an independent entrepreneurial perspective is required.
Managing directors
When complex decisions need to be made, structures changed or new approaches developed.
Insolvency practitioners and lawyers
When operational, economic and real-estate issues come together and legal expertise needs to be complemented by additional specialist and implementation experience.
Investors and other partners
When companies, portfolios or investments need to be analysed, changed or developed further.
When am I not the right fit?
I am not the right partner if:
- the solution has already been decided and merely needs to be confirmed or implemented,
- decisions are being avoided or responsibility passed on,
- differing interests cannot be discussed openly,
- personal positions matter more than finding the best solution to the challenge.
For my work to have an impact, I need a counterpart who takes responsibility, enables decisions and genuinely wants to change something.
Let’s talk
Are you facing a complex challenge and the path to a solution is not yet clear?
Then let’s clarify the critical questions, develop robust options and turn them into a viable solution – through to implementation.
Martin KanngiesserEntrepreneurial Adviser+49 151 236 50497 · martin@kngsr.de
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