A notice on a board at TU Berlin – that is how Robert Henke found his way to KREBS+KIEFER almost twelve years ago. Since then, he has worked his way up through every level: working student, project engineer, project manager and now head of the Project Management department in Berlin. In this interview, he talks about motorways, locks and bridges, about a team where everyone finds their place – and about a decision from his student days that has unexpectedly come full circle.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at KREBS+KIEFER?
My name is Robert Henke. I grew up on the Baltic coast and moved to the metropolis of Berlin to study. I joined KREBS+KIEFER while I was still a student and have now been with the company for almost 12 years. My career path reflects the DNA of K+K: working student, project engineer, project manager – and, for around a year and a half now, head of the Project Management department at the Berlin office. Over this time, I have got to know KREBS+KIEFER from many sides – in branch offices, site offices and at head office. Each location has shaped me in its own way.
What do you value most about your team or the culture at KREBS+KIEFER, and why did you choose KREBS+KIEFER?
At KREBS+KIEFER, the chemistry is simply right – at every level. The openness within the team is something really special: everyone finds their place and is accepted just as they are. The working atmosphere is great, and on a personal level we simply get along. On top of that, there are exciting and varied projects that keep the work interesting every day. KREBS+KIEFER also gets a lot right away from the desk – from team sports to great company events, team spirit is truly lived here. Incidentally, I came to KREBS+KIEFER more or less by chance – through a notice at TU Berlin. I felt at home very quickly – and I’m still here today. I think that says it all.
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I actually felt I was in the right place very early on – and that feeling has been confirmed at every stage of my career. Whether as a working student, project engineer or project manager, I was always able to learn something new and always enjoyed my work.
Robert Henke, Head of Department
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What are you currently working on, and why does this project or task matter to you or your clients?
Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to support many truly exciting projects in project management and to immerse myself in very different project worlds – from motorways and locks to bridges. Every project was special and unique in its own way, and that is exactly what makes this profession so fascinating. As head of department, my focus is now a different one: I am getting deeply into business development, financial controlling and team leadership. And for me, this brings things full circle – because before my studies, I faced exactly this choice: civil engineering or controlling? Back then, I chose construction – and now I’ve ended up in a role where controlling plays a key part. Sometimes it’s amazing how life turns out.
What makes your role unique, and when did you feel that KREBS+KIEFER was the right place for you?
I actually felt I was in the right place very early on – and that feeling has been confirmed at every stage of my career. Whether as a working student, project engineer or project manager, I was always able to learn something new and always enjoyed my work. My current step to head of department is a whole new dimension – more exciting, but also more challenging than anything before. What makes my role unique? I have been through every level myself, so I know the challenges my team faces from my own experience. This allows me to act as a real link between day-to-day project work and the strategic level. My aim is to give my best every day – so that my team has everything it needs to succeed.
