In conversation with the two managing directors of HEAGmobilo, Johannes Gregor and Arne Rath, we gain interesting insights into their professional backgrounds and the company's strategic direction. We discuss their areas of responsibility, the challenges in the transport sector, and the values that define HEAGmobilo as a modern company.
How did you both find your way to HEAGmobilo?
Johannes Gregor:
“I am 47 years old and a mechanical engineer by training. I developed a passion for rail transport early on, which led me to various positions in the industry, including in Baden-Württemberg. I am delighted to now be able to take on responsibility as Managing Director at HEAGmobilo.”
Arne Rath:
“I am 54 years old and a graduate in business administration. I worked for Deutsche Bahn for many years, primarily in the bus sector. This gave me comprehensive insights into public transport. At HEAGmobilo, I mainly handle the commercial side, while Johannes manages the technical and operational side. We work as a team here, which is a great advantage for us because we can drive change without rigid structures.”
How do you structure collaboration and what is special about your leadership style?
Johannes Gregor:
“Our collaboration works very well because we complement each other in different areas. I am more responsible for the technical aspects, while Arne covers the business side. This clear division of responsibilities helps us to work efficiently and make quick decisions. Our shared innovation is that we can implement changes in a truly agile way – without entrenched structures holding us back.”
Arne Rath:
“That’s right. We have the opportunity to tackle things directly and implement them. Our aim is not only to innovate, but above all to prioritize quality. We want to design public transport in such a way that it is reliable, efficient and customer-friendly. For us, the end result is what counts: a product that serves people.”
HEAGmobilo recently decided to end its presence on platform X (formerly Twitter). What were the reasons for this step?
Arne Rath:
“We deliberated at length and then came to the conclusion that the changes under the new owner of X are no longer compatible with our values. The lifting of the commitment against hate speech and incitement led us to end our presence on this platform. For us, one thing is clear: We stand for tolerance, diversity, and democratic values. That no longer aligns with a platform that questions these values.”
Johannes Gregor:
“We considered this step carefully. We wanted to send a clear signal that we cannot identify with a platform that questions fundamental values such as truth and respect. The withdrawal was a clear decision for us, even though its implementation required careful planning. We had to ensure that our traffic information continued to reach passengers reliably. But that was important to us – communication with people must be guaranteed.”
What significance do you attribute to corporate responsibility in today's world?
Arne Rath:
“We see ourselves as a company with employees from 35 nations, and this diversity is a great value to us. A public transport company must take a clear stance on social issues. What has happened on platform X in recent weeks and months is completely unacceptable to us. We want to live our values – especially respect, diversity, and fundamental democratic values.”
Johannes Gregor:
“That’s an important point. For us, it’s crucial that we take a clear stance, especially when it comes to public communication. As a company, we are part of society and want to take responsibility – also for the values that are important to us.”
How do you attract new employees and retain them in the company long-term?
Johannes Gregor:
“We are an attractive employer in the region, and this is reflected in our recruitment efforts. Many new employees join us through word of mouth or family tradition. Our employer branding campaigns, which feature real employees, also contribute to this. Apprenticeship training is particularly important to us. Our apprentices are always offered an employment contract and stay with us. This ensures that we are well-positioned for the long term.”
Arne Rath:
“Another important aspect is our events like the ‘Night of Apprenticeships,’ where we offer insights into the diverse career opportunities that go beyond traditional roles like bus or tram driver. Our apprenticeship magazine, which we distribute in schools, also helps us recruit young talent. We work closely with schools and educational institutions in this regard. The contacts of retirees are particularly helpful here, as they support us by acting as intermediaries.”
What challenges does HEAGmobilo currently face, also with regard to the global political situation?
Johannes Gregor:
“A major issue is the procurement of spare parts. Due to quality defects and the after-effects of the Corona crisis, delivery conditions have deteriorated. The quality of the delivered parts no longer meets the usual standard. But we are largely unaffected by global political challenges, as we rely on locally produced technology. In Darmstadt, there are also no plans to cut public transport services, which is very beneficial for us.”
Arne Rath:
“As far as we’re concerned, we’re naturally also focused on disseminating current information quickly and reliably. Our app is an important channel, but we’re also considering distributing information on other platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Our main focus here is on technical feasibility and implementation – we want to ensure that we reach everyone.”
