What is good communication worth, Mr Himmelsbach?
As we all know, figures speak for themselves – or does the finance department also need good communication?
Jürgen Himmelsbach: Figures form the basis of every decision. But figures alone do not tell a story. We need good communication to explain what we are investing in, for example when we acquire a company. We need to explain the context and put opportunities and risks into perspective. Particularly in an international technology group such as the TÜV NORD GROUP, it is important that everyone understands why we make decisions and what impact they have. Good communication builds trust – and trust is a key factor in our success.
What is particularly important when it comes to communication in the financial sector?
Jürgen Himmelsbach: First and foremost, the figures must be correct. Clarity, reliability and transparency are key. Financial topics can be complex. Our job is to make them understandable without compromising on accuracy. At the same time, information must be consistent and easy to follow. Good financial communication lays the foundation for well-informed decisions – both internally and externally.
Social media thrives on stories. Do figures, data and facts stand a chance there?
Jürgen Himmelsbach: Absolutely. People are interested in facts when they are presented in a relevant and understandable way. Of course, tables on their own rarely work on social media. But behind every figure lies a development, an innovation or a human achievement. That’s why financial communication also needs good storytelling. Figures and stories must be linked in an intelligent way.
Behind every figure lies a development, an innovation or a human achievement. That is why financial communication also needs good storytelling.
Chief Financial Officer Jürgen Himmelsbach in discussion with Meike Reuter, Managing Director of TÜV NORD Service, and Volker Wiegelmann, Head of Finance at TÜV NORD AG.
Which sources does the Chief Financial Officer rely on? Are the Wall Street Journal and the Handelsblatt still essential reading for finance professionals?
Jürgen Himmelsbach: If you pop into my office early in the morning, it’s very likely you’ll ‘catch’ me sitting at my desk reading the newspaper. That would be the *Handelsblatt*, which I receive every day. It is indeed the case that the *Wall Street Journal* and the *Handelsblatt* remain among the most important business and financial publications. In addition, there are international sources, sector analyses, research reports and digital information services. What matters most today is not so much the individual publication as the ability to compare different perspectives.
Is the annual report still a publication of significance?
Jürgen Himmelsbach: It is read by customers, competitors, banks, suppliers, the media and staff, mainly in digital form. We have reduced the number of printed copies over the years; the current figure is 350. We make a conscious decision to produce a high-quality annual report that demonstrates our commitment to transparent financial reporting, our sound financial position and the goals we are pursuing. Banks, business partners, customers and potential employees receive reliable information. When I present a printed annual report to a partner in the financial sector, it is always very well received.
Euphoria and pessimism are rarely good guides. Successful decisions are not based on headlines, but on analysis.
Financial markets often react to major headlines. How do you keep a cool head when faced with good or bad news?
Jürgen Himmelsbach: My team and I focus on the facts. Euphoria and pessimism are rarely good guides. Successful decisions are not based on headlines, but on analysis. That is why we always try to view developments in context and think long-term. Especially in dynamic times, prudence is a good guide.
Must a board member always be the centre of attention?
Jürgen Himmelsbach: There are certainly different perspectives and temperaments on this: the focus must always be on the company and its staff. Of course, visibility is part of an executive board member’s role, particularly that of the chair. But what matters is not the attention paid to the individual, but whether what is communicated is understood and can be grasped by our staff and the public.
