NEXT STOP: RETAIL #4: Podcast with Martina Novotny about data power, community and pragmatic transformation
"Martina Novotny, how much clarity is there in your data?"
With NEXT STOP: RETAIL Our new Podcast for the retail sector Live. The idea: We bring our stage to where it wouldn't normally be – right into the heart of businesses. Our mobile podcast studio tours all over Germany. A new episode is released every week, in which we meet with decision-makers from the retail sector. We listen, ask questions, and talk about what really drives the market.
In episode 4 of NEXT STOP: RETAIL Our CEO, Ruben Doppelstein, is standing in front of the ANWR Group headquarters in Mainhausen. There he meets Martina Novotny, CDO of the long-established retail group, and talks about the role of a cooperative in digital transformation – and why pragmatic solutions are often more effective than perfection.
This time, our mobile podcast studio was located right in the heart of an organization that is over 100 years old, and the episode impressively demonstrates how tradition and transformation can succeed hand in hand:
Episode #4: Podcast with Martina Novotny, CDO of the ANWR Group
From data that enables better decisions to a cooperative model that has connected retailers for over 100 years: Martina Novotny knows how to harmonize tradition and digital innovation. As CDO of the ANWR Group, she drives change with a clear focus on data quality, AI, and pragmatic 80/20 solutions – always with the aim of making retailers faster, safer, and more future-proof.
In conversation with our CEO Ruben Doppelstein This is precisely the connection: practical application of technology meets a strategic vision for sustainable change. Patricia provides insights into ongoing pilot projects, explains why change begins with listening, and reveals how teams can embrace IT security together.
Highlights from the episode with Martina Novotny:
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Cooperatives as a model for the future
Martina describes why collaborative action is so valuable, especially in times of great change – and how the ANWR Group understands its role as a partner for the trade. -
Data-Driven Commerce
From a clean data foundation to better decision-making: Martina explains why data quality is the underestimated lever for greater clarity in business and how AI in customer service becomes a true win-win situation. -
Pragmatism instead of perfection
Perfect solutions take too long – in retail, speed is key. Martina demonstrates how retailers can achieve rapid, noticeable progress using the 80/20 principle. -
Transformation, both internal and external
Whether it's employees or retail partners: change elicits reactions. Martina shares insights into lessons learned, feedback, and aha moments from recent years.
Why is this important?
Because transformation in retail requires not only high-tech, but also clarity, trust, and collaborative action. And because the courage to simplify often makes all the difference.
What's behind NEXT STOP: RETAIL?
NEXT STOP RETAIL is the new one RETAIL NXT Podcast.
We're on a journey to meet the key figures shaping the retail landscape, from large corporations to medium-sized businesses and startups. It's not about polished pitches, but about honest, open dialogue. If you want to know what works and what just sounds like a pipe dream, you've come to the right place.
Want to experience it live? RETAIL NXT 2025!
Do you want to meet Martina in person?
Then come to the RETAIL NXT Conference on September 30th and October 1st, 2026 in Bad Vilbel near Frankfurt.
There, retailers, brands and creators meet to exchange ideas, for new inspiration and genuine conversations, and Martina provides even more insights: The RETAIL NXT 2025 program.