Toto Wolff and Andreas Kroiss: Focus on technology and leadership
The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and Einhell Germany AG have been partners for nearly two years now: Einhell Germany AG supports the team as its ‘Official Tool Expert’ by supplying its cordless tools in the elite motorsport class. Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff recently visited the headquarters of the internationally successful manufacturer of cordless tools and garden equipment. With fellow Austrian and Einhell CEO, Andreas Kroiss, and the Einhell management team he discussed topics such as innovation, technology, leadership and vision.
Shared values as the foundation
The collaboration between the two brands goes far beyond the mere use of Einhell’s cordless tools in the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s race garage. Their cooperation is marked by exchanges about developments in technological innovation and products, particularly in relation to electronics, battery technology and product design, which can be used in motorsports as well as in the DIY and professional segments. “The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team represents top quality, maximum performance and innovation – the same values we share here at Einhell. That makes this partnership a perfect match” Andreas Kroiss emphasized to the company’s management team. Toto Wolff added, “I see that our partners have the same ambition for success as we do. Even at our first meeting, it was clear that there is an alignment between the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and Einhell. And I also get that sense here visiting the Einhell headquarters in person. We have the same mindset and share the same values, which creates an excellent foundation for our partnership.”
Insight into battery technology development and design processes
During the visit, Toto Wolff gained insights into Einhell’s development and design processes, as well as its innovations in the Power X-Change battery technology field. More than 300 DIY and garden tools can now be operated with the same battery on this platform. This figure will be expanded steadily to 450 devices in the years to come. The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Principal was highly impressed by the company’s strategic vision and bold decisions, which have enabled Einhell to position itself as a leading manufacturer of cordless tools and garden equipment worldwide. “Technology is one thing that unites us,” noted Toto Wolff. “For Einhell, as for us, it’s all about doing pioneering work and setting the standards in our respective industries. The energy and determination of the management teams of our companies are another common element.”
High performance thanks to the stopwatch
Toto Wolff also offered some insight into his own motivation and high self-expectations. “There are no excuses – performance is all that matters. You just have to improve to get to the finish line first,” said Wolff. This mentality is reflected in his management style: “We firmly believe that it is important to enable individuals to deliver in their respective fields. We define the core objective. But then everyone is responsible for working together to achieve the goal. When you work in high-tech sports, it's all about details. We strive to be perfectionists, knowing that perfection can never be achieved. I endeavor to put all my energy into winning,” said the Vienna native. Andreas Kroiss, who was raised in Linz, added that having a positive mindset and focusing entirely on the essentials is decisive in coping with pressure and stress while at the same time constantly improving, as is also the case in motorsports. “Motivation comes from within and cannot be imposed externally. It is important for each of us to recognize and understand the meaning of our work, how we each help achieve the goal,” said Kroiss.
The importance of efficiency and foresight
The two CEO’s also discussed the importance of efficiency and foresight, particularly in light of the challenges of a dynamic, globalized world. Wolff stressed that Formula 1’s cost cap has made business more complex, converting the time factor into the most important currency. Efficiency is becoming an increasingly important instrument in Formula 1 in the effort to fight for victory as a team. “The stopwatch never lies in motorsports,” said Toto Wolff during his speech to the management team. “Efficiency is a vital balancing act that helps us to be successful both on and off the track.” Kroiss also spoke of the necessity of always thinking one step ahead in a highly dynamic, globalized world. Einhell has proven this with its early focus on the Power X-Change battery technology. “We recognized early on that our customers had a need for cordless freedom and therefore took on a pioneering role in the cordless segment of the DIY industry,” continued Kroiss.
Mistakes and setbacks as learning opportunities
On the subject of leadership, both managers highlighted the importance of mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for learning. Kroiss noted, “Mistakes and setbacks happen, but we must learn from them so that we do not repeat them. I feel it is important to set a good example to get the team going,” said Einhell CEO Andreas Kroiss. Toto Wolff concluded by saying that a company’s success depends on having a clear vision. “Einhell is a fantastic example of this. Its clear ambition to position itself as a forerunner in the battery technology field within its industry is proof of the quality and mindset that one needs to be successful in the long run,” concluded Wolff.
About Einhell Germany AG
Einhell is a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art tools and devices for the house and garden and will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. From its headquarters in Landau/Isar (Bavaria), the internationally successful company has continuously expanded its innovative rechargeable battery platform Power X-Change and is now the market leader in the area of cordless tools and garden devices. For many years Einhell has set new standards in terms of endurance, performance, and safety. Einhell customers appreciate the freedom of cordless operation for all their DIY projects, as well as the excellent value for money that Einhell products represent and the first-class customer service offered by the company.