Holger Apfel

Captain
DISC Type : DS

Global Procurement Capability Lead at Carlsberg Group

Zug, Zug, Switzerland

Overview

Holger is a seasoned procurement leader with over 25 years of experience in the MedTech, Pharma, and FMCG sectors, including roles at Johnson & Johnson, P&G, and currently Carlsberg Group. He holds a Dipl. Kfm. from Paderborn University and specializes in strategic sourcing and stakeholder management. People who have worked with him describe him as seasoned, effective, and diplomatic.

He has a passion for developing others, recently running a stakeholder management class for Digital Supply Chain students at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons. In early 2025, he presented a case study on strategic business partnering at a Swiss Marketing Procurement Network event.

His career in procurement began serendipitously when his last name, Apfel (German for Apple), led to his hiring for the Juice Commodity buying group at Procter & Gamble.

Personality Overview

Planner & Achiever

Dynamic But Sincere

Long-Term Thinker

They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.  Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them. They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together.

Topics They Care About

Stakeholder Management
A core theme in his professional headline and skills. He recently led a university class on this specific subject, showing a passion for teaching it.
Strategic Procurement
His career focuses on elevating procurement to a strategic business partner, as evidenced by his roles at J&J and a recent presentation on the topic.
Supplier Relationships
He has a track record of managing large, strategic supplier relationships, including negotiating complex, multi-year master supply agreements to deliver cost savings.

Media Appearances

Holger has no verified media appearances

Work History

7-2025
Global Procurement Capability Lead at Carlsberg Group
9-2024 - 6-2025
Global MedTech Electronic Systems Procurement - Global Supplier Relationship Lead at Johnson & Johnson
3-2023 - 8-2024
Procurement Business Partner MedTech EMEA at Johnson & Johnson
1-2021 - 2-2023
Procurement Business Partner Medical Devices EMEA & APAC at Johnson & Johnson
5-2018 - 1-2021
Cluster Engagement Lead Central Europe at Johnson & Johnson Group at Johnson & Johnson

Education

1991 - 1996
Dipl. Kfm. from Paderborn University
1993 - 1994
Licence from Le Mans Université

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 28 Location : Zug, Zug, Switzerland Job Level : Senior Designation : Global Procurement Capability Lead at Carlsberg Group
URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Holger

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Come across as a trustworthy professional and be respectful, they usually know their game
  • You can spend time on BANT (or other qualification methodology) but keep it to the point
  • Ask them at the end if they see a strong value prop in your product; expect an honest answer

DONT's

  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option
  • Don't get into pricing discussions early on, steer conversation towards proven results
  • Avoid putting conscious effort into relationship-building

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Holger is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Holger

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Holger move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Holger take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Holger

Personality Compatibility


Other Carlsberg Group Employees

Explore more public profiles from related professionals at the same organization.

More Profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Search more profiles

Looking for someone else? Search here for anyone.

Or visit Humantic AI to know more.