From Numbers to Innovation: A Marketing Leader on the Digital Frontier
A Decade of Growth and Transformation
Daniel Marschollek’s journey at Nestlé began in the finance and controlling department after completing his business administration studies in Mainz. Little did he know that this foray into the world of numbers would lead him on a decade-long adventure through diverse company areas, ultimately culminating in a leadership role in the heart of digital marketing.
Ten years on, his journey is anything but monotonous. “I chose marketing because of its incredible diversity," he explains. “It offers opportunities to drive change and express creativity in countless ways.” This passion for innovation and progress shines through, whether in his previous roles in marketing controlling and digital marketing or in his current capacity at the forefront of digital transformation.
His current responsibility as Head of Digital Transformation and Head of Consumer Experience reflects his commitment to optimizing consumer journeys and building innovative digital business models, platforms, and services. “In this role, I focus on classic digital marketing and commerce topics," he says, "as well as on exploring ways to leverage AI to improve the consumer experience."
His team of ten is currently diving deep into the possibilities of AI transformation. "Beyond its established uses in content creation, AI’s potential to enhance the consumer experience is enormous," he believes. But he stresses the importance of bringing employees along for the journey. "They need to experience firsthand the diverse benefits this technology offers in everyday life and receive the training necessary to effectively utilize it."
Marschollek finds profound fulfillment in the growth and development of individuals within his teams. "Seeing people learn, evolve, and succeed as I offer guidance and support – that’s my greatest reward," he reflects.
Creating Digital Ecosystems: Connecting with Consumers
Beyond AI, another focus for Marschollek is the creation and expansion of digital ecosystems for Nestlé’s diverse brands. He uses the example of pet food to illustrate this approach. The company strives to go beyond simply providing a product. Through digital tools on its website, Nestlé supports customers in choosing the right pet, offers guidance on pet care, and ultimately assists in selecting the most suitable pet food. This approach exemplifies Nestlé’s aim to foster meaningful connections with consumers throughout their product journey.
Marschollek emphasizes the need for curiosity and adaptability in this ever-shifting landscape. “Staying ahead of the curve means constantly evaluating new trends and prioritizing the most relevant ones for the current environment,” he asserts. Finding the right momentum, he believes, requires not only data-driven decisions but also a healthy dose of intuition.
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence will continue to be a major focus for Marschollek’s team. “Given the rapid pace of development,” he states, “I’m committed to deepening my understanding so that I can effectively share it with the organization.”
His motto for the future is simple yet powerful: “Always stay curious, listen attentively – whether to consumers or employees – and never lose sight of the joy in what you do.”
Favorite Things
Favorite brands?
Lego and Maggi
Best Advertisement?
Hornbach: “It can’t be bad. Because it is from you.”
Role Model?
My Family
Best Motto?
You never stop learning.
**What Drives You?**
Curiosity and People
How does Daniel Marschollek see AI evolving the marketing landscape?
## From Numbers to Innovation: A Conversation with Nestlé’s Digital Transformation Leader
**Interviewer:** Today we’re joined by Daniel Marschollek, Head of Digital Transformation and Head of Consumer Experience at Nestlé, to discuss his fascinating journey through the company and his thoughts on the future of marketing in a digital world.
Welcome, Daniel!
**Daniel Marschollek:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** You began your career at Nestlé in finance but ended up leading digital transformation. Can you tell us about that journey?
**Daniel Marschollek:** Absolutely. My path was driven by a desire for diversity and constant innovation. I was drawn to marketing because it offered so many possibilities to be creative and drive change [[1](https://www.ibm.com/topics/digital-transformation)].
**Interviewer:** Your current role involves AI and its impact on the consumer experience. How do you see AI evolving the marketing landscape?
**Daniel Marschollek:** AI has huge potential beyond just content creation. We’re exploring ways to use it to personalize the consumer experience, making it more efficient and engaging. Imagine AI helping us anticipate consumer needs and tailor offerings accordingly.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredibly exciting. What are some of the challenges you face in implementing these new technologies?
**Daniel Marschollek:** One key challenge is ensuring our employees are comfortable with these advancements.
We need to provide them with the necessary training and make them feel empowered to utilize AI effectively. It’s about people understanding the benefits and opportunities that AI brings to their daily work[[[[
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to aspiring marketers entering this rapidly evolving field?
**Daniel Marschollek:** Be curious, be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to embrace new technologies. The marketing landscape is constantly changing, and those who are willing to learn and adapt will thrive.
**Interviewer:** what drives your passion for this work?
**Daniel Marschollek:** It’s incredibly fulfilling to see individuals on my team learn, grow, and succeed. Witnessing their development motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital marketing.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insightful conversation, Daniel.
**Daniel Marschollek:** It was mypleasure!
