Antje Lochmann's Vision for Automotive Innovation

Antje Lochmann’s Vision for Automotive Innovation In the fast-evolving world of logistics and supply chain, few leaders embody the perfect blend of experience, resilience, and forward-thinking quite like Antje Lochmann. As Managing Director of GEODIS Freight Forwarding and Contract Logistics Germany, she has steered one of Europe’s most vital logistics hubs through digital transformation, client retention challenges, and industry-wide disruptions—all while championing a people-first philosophy that sets her apart.

Lochmann joined GEODIS in 2011 after nearly a decade at TFG Transfracht. Starting in an inside sales role, her ascent to executive leadership was swift, driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the customer journey.

“I’ve always believed that true leadership begins with empathy,” she says. “Having worked across departments—from operations to sales—I understand the daily pressures our teams face and how that translates into better service delivery for clients.”

This insight has shaped GEODIS Germany’s strategic direction under her leadership. With a growing emphasis on innovation and adaptability, especially within the automotive sector, Lochmann has positioned the company not just as a service provider, but as a strategic partner capable of navigating complexity with agility.

Q: How have you approached innovation, particularly in the automotive sector? “Innovation for us isn’t about flashy tech alone—it’s about solving real problems,” Lochmann explains. “The automotive industry is undergoing massive transformation. Electrification, sustainability mandates, and shifting consumer expectations mean traditional models no longer suffice. We needed to be proactive rather than reactive.”

Under her guidance, GEODIS has invested heavily in digital tools that enhance visibility across the supply chain, from end-to-end tracking to predictive analytics. These capabilities are especially crucial for automotive clients managing just-in-time production cycles.

“We’ve built modular solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether it’s managing EV battery logistics or adapting to nearshoring trends, we act as an extension of their team,” she notes.

Q: Talent retention seems to be a core part of your strategy. Why is that important in logistics today? Lochmann emphasizes that in an industry often plagued by high turnover, stability is a competitive advantage. “We have employees who’ve been here for 20, even 30 years. That kind of institutional knowledge is invaluable.”

She recalls a meeting with a young startup founder who referred to the GEODIS team as “dinosaurs”—a term he used affectionately to highlight the depth of experience in the room.

“He said, ‘You don’t just know logistics—you know business,’” Lochmann smiles. “That resonated deeply. Churn may be inevitable, but losing key talent creates gaps that are hard to fill.”

To foster loyalty, GEODIS focuses on career development, cross-functional exposure, and recognition programs. “People want to grow. When they see a path forward, they stay,” she says.

Q: How do you maintain long-term relationships with clients in such a competitive market? For Lochmann, the answer lies in what she calls the “glocal” approach: leveraging global scale while delivering hyper-localized service.

“Every client has a dedicated point of contact at every level—sales, operations, customer service. We make sure they’re never speaking to a generic voice,” she says. “That personal touch builds trust. And trust leads to longevity.”

GEODIS’s client retention rates speak volumes. In an era where switching providers is commonplace, many of its partnerships span decades.

“We are loyal to our customers, and they are loyal to us,” she states simply.

*Q: What does the future hold for logistics, especially in Germany? Lochmann envisions a logistics ecosystem shaped by intelligent automation, sustainability mandates, and increasing demand for transparency. “Germany is at the heart of European manufacturing. Our role is to ensure that heartbeat continues without disruption.”

She points to GEODIS’s recent investments in green logistics initiatives—such as carbon-neutral transport options and warehouse energy optimization—as evidence of its commitment to future-readiness.

“The companies that thrive will be those that balance innovation with reliability,” she says. “That’s the legacy we’re building.”

As the logistics landscape evolves, Antje Lochmann remains a steady force—driving progress while honoring the foundational values that keep both people and clients rooted in place. Her leadership proves that in a world obsessed with speed, sometimes the greatest strength is knowing when to slow down and invest in what truly matters.