“Sometimes things turn out differently than expected—and that’s a good thing,” says Ellen Wagner, owner and managing director of Wagner System GmbH, in an interview with author Kristina Appel.

After studying applied cultural sciences, Ellen worked at a concert and dance agency. Initially, she had no intention of joining the company her parents founded in 1977.

In 2001, the company faced a challenging situation, and Ellen and her brother stepped in to help. Ellen thought it would be for no more than two years before she returned to the agency. But things turned out differently…

Today, Ellen and her brother, Ulrich Wagner, are owners and managing directors of Wagner System GmbH. Wagner is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of high-quality furniture components. The QuickClick furniture glide system is used by renowned furniture manufacturers worldwide and is also available to private customers in hardware stores and online. “Our goal at Wagner is to bring these two worlds even closer together,” Ellen explains.

True to the company’s motto, “design yourself,” Ellen has persistently shaped her role at Wagner, balancing tradition and innovation.

Her advice to others? Take your time! Make it enjoyable! Delegate responsibility!

A post by herCAREER,
published on LinkedIn on 03.12.2024

 

Frauen des Jahres 2024/2025 (available only in German language)
Link to the book