Anika Schmidt will join BBE Handelsberatung as a new member of the management board on 1 August 2026. Her appointment adds an expert with comprehensive international experience in procurement, private label, and assortment strategy to the leadership team. This expertise is intended to benefit both BBE's clients and the strategic development of the company.
Dr. Johannes Berentzen, Managing Partner at BBE Handelsberatung, emphasised that Anika Schmidt possesses a combination of operational experience, international implementation strength, and foresight regarding the supply chain and merchandise management. Her personality and professional demeanour represent an asset to the team and the company's clients.
Professional Background and Competencies
Anika Schmidt's professional career began as a dual student in purchasing at Lidl. During her 18.5 years at the Schwarz Group, one of Europe's largest retail companies, she successively took on responsible leadership positions. Most recently, she served as Managing Director at Lidl International, where she was responsible for non-food private labels and held sales responsibility in the multi-billion Euro range.
Anika Schmidt spent five years of her career in Hong Kong, acquiring profound knowledge of Asian procurement markets, international supplier structures, and their margin logic. This period qualifies her as a proven sourcing and Asia expert, combined with a deep understanding of product development, quality assurance, and international value chains. An early interest in the clothing industry, shaped by a family-run fashion business, accompanied her entire career. Her management competencies were supplemented by an Executive MBA in Switzerland and consulting activities in the M&A environment.
Strategic Focus and Client Benefit
In her new role as a member of the management board, Anika Schmidt will primarily apply her expertise in international procurement, private label, and assortment strategy to strategic consulting. Her focus will be on supporting companies in unlocking their potential, optimising structures, and positioning themselves for the future.
Professor Dr. Philipp Hoog, Partner at BBE Handelsberatung, highlighted that Anika Schmidt knows retail from the ground up to the supply chain and from procurement in Asia to growth strategy in Europe. This first-hand retail perspective will significantly enhance the effectiveness of consulting for clients. Anika Schmidt herself stated that she wants to use her experience to create momentum in the market, drive innovation in companies, and contribute to the future viability of BBE's clients through optimisation and strategic consulting.
- —Strategic consulting for companies to unleash their potential
- —Optimisation of structures to ensure future viability
- —Contribution of expertise in international procurement and private label
- —Promotion of innovations in the market and within companies
