---

In a big leadership change, Petra Scharner-Wolff has officially stepped in as the new CEO of Otto Group, one of Germany’s largest and most influential e-commerce companies. After eight years at the helm, Alexander Birken is handing over the reins and moving into a new role as Chair of the Supervisory Board. This leadership shift marks a new chapter for Otto Group, as Scharner-Wolff takes on the challenge of guiding the company through the evolving retail landscape.

Scharner-Wolff’s Rise to the Top

From Consultant to CEO

Petra Scharner-Wolff is no stranger to Otto Group. She’s been part of the company since 1999, when she first joined as a financial controller. Over the years, she steadily rose through the ranks, taking on bigger roles and eventually joining Otto Group’s Executive Board in 2015.

Before joining Otto, Scharner-Wolff had already built a strong career. After graduating in business, she worked as a management consultant at Nymphenburg Group in Munich. But her real break came when she moved to Otto Group, where she focused on financial controlling and later became responsible for overseeing the finances of all group companies worldwide.

A Diverse Career at Otto Group

Her career at Otto Group is marked by a series of important roles that shaped the company’s growth. In 2007, she moved to Schwab Group, where she led the financial and human resources divisions. There, she helped build the Sheego fashion brand into a major success.

In 2012, Scharner-Wolff returned to Otto, taking on a spot on the Management Board at OTTO, where she was responsible for human resources, financial controlling, and IT. With her extensive experience in both leadership and finance, it’s no surprise that she has now been chosen as the new CEO.

Scharner-Wolff’s Big Moment

Now, at the age of 53, Scharner-Wolff steps into the CEO role at a pivotal time. Otto Group is one of Germany’s largest online retailers and service providers, and under Scharner-Wolff, the company will continue to evolve, keeping pace with the fast-changing digital market.

The CEO role transition is part of a broader shift within the company, with Alexander Birken, who led Otto Group for more than eight years, moving on to a new position as Chair of the Otto Group Supervisory Board. Birken’s leadership saw Otto Group grow significantly, adapting to challenges like the rise of online shopping and global economic pressures.

Meet Katy Roewer, the New CFO

Alongside Scharner-Wolff’s promotion, Katy Roewer is stepping up as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Otto Group. Roewer, who has been with Otto Group for more than 20 years, previously held key roles in service, human resources, and finance. She’s now tasked with overseeing Otto Group’s finances, joining Scharner-Wolff to lead the company through its next phase of growth.

What’s Next for Otto Group?

Scharner-Wolff’s leadership marks a new direction for Otto Group. Known for her deep understanding of both finance and human resources, she’s poised to steer the company in a more customer-centric and digitally-focused direction. With her at the top, Otto Group is expected to continue innovating, strengthening its position in the global e-commerce space.

The transition of power also signals a broader generational shift within the company, as Benjamin Otto, part of the founding family, is set to take over in 2026. It’s clear that Otto Group is preparing for the future, ensuring it remains competitive in the ever-changing retail industry.

As Petra Scharner-Wolff takes the helm of Otto Group, the company enters a new era of leadership. With her extensive background and understanding of the business, Otto Group is in good hands. The leadership transition, along with Katy Roewer’s promotion to CFO, signals Otto Group’s commitment to growth and innovation. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Otto Group to see how it adapts under this new leadership team.