In this episode, Gordon speaks with Marco Philipp Koppenstein, Head of Category Development DACH at Mars Wrigley, about excitement, leadership, and the future of retail.

Marco shares how he found his way to Mars, why he stayed, and what makes the company’s purpose. He explains how his team works as a neutral, data-driven category consulting unit, optimizing store touchpoints, checkout layouts, and impulse modules to grow entire categories, not just brands.

They talk about inspiring leaders, why the best ones stay in the background, and how Marco’s own team motivates him daily. He also reveals what excites him about the future: AI-driven retail, seamless shopping, and shaping the next generation of in-store experiences.

Tune in for an inspiring talk about purpose, growth, and the people who make work exciting.