Handing over the baton and a spirit of optimism: what moved us at the manor house

There are moments that you sense even before they happen. The air is different, conversations become quieter, eyes wander around the room searching. It was just such a moment on the morning of April 29 when we gathered at Rittergut Störmede for Alpha-Med KG’s first Leadership Conference 2025. The agenda was full, expectations were high – but nobody could have guessed how much this day would move us.

We started on Tuesday morning full of energy. The welcome in the Kuppelsaal was warm, but there was a certain tension in the air. And then, right at the beginning, the big news: Ingo Wiegers (CDIO), our long-standing division manager, was handing over the baton. “I’m leaving Alpha-Med,” he began – and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Surprised faces, a collective pause. Some looked in disbelief, others searched for words. After 15 years of leadership in temporary medical staffing, after all the successes, after so much passion – was this really it?

Udo Lutz, our CEO, took away our uncertainty. He explained why this change was necessary. Ingo, whose area of responsibility had grown steadily, will take over the management of Marketing, IT and Fleet with immediate effect and, as Chief Procurement Officer, will be responsible for all purchases and service contracts of the AlphaConsult Group. A step that requires courage – and trust. Udo Lutz, general partner of the AlphaConsult Group, has this trust. Trust in Ingo Wiegers for the new tasks and trust in the new business unit managers of Alpha-Med KG. Jennifer Bollmann and Maria Zubatova will jointly take over the management of the Medical division. Two colleagues with a wealth of experience, impressive achievements in recent years and a great deal of passion and professional expertise.

The surprise was followed by relief. There was laughter, discussion and a look ahead. Heiko Hepper presented figures, the marketing team led by Alexandra Fritzler and Moustafa Jamo introduced new social media approaches. We worked in small groups on new sales and recruiting ideas, guided by our future business unit managers. It was palpable that something new and fresh was developing here on a proven basis.

In the evening, a toast was raised, stories were shared and the tension gave way to a quiet anticipation of what was to come. The next day was all about collaboration: inquiry management, strengthening the recruitment agency, new impetus for international recruitment. And then, shortly before saying goodbye, a final emotional highlight: Marketing had prepared a video in which all the managers addressed personal words to Ingo. A moment full of gratitude, pride and a little melancholy – especially for Ingo.

These days at the Rittergut were more than just a conference. They were a farewell, a departure and a new beginning all at the same time. We laughed, exchanged ideas, made plans together – and above all felt that change is the best way to grow together.