OTTO veteran Dr. Frederike Fritzsche focuses on AI as she steps in to Chief Tech Transformation Officer role

Dr. Frederike Fritzsche has taken on the role of Chief Tech Transformation Officer at OTTO Group, a German company based in Hamburg that operates worldwide in the retail, e-commerce, financing, logistics and mail order sectors.

Fritzsche has been with the firm for almost ten years and previously held the position of Tech Ambassador.

In a LInkedIn post, she said: “I will bring AI into everyday work and empower employees to do so. Shaping technology, strengthening culture: I'm looking forward to my next chapter at OTTO.”

“This is what I have set out to do in my new role: to inspire and empower employees for the practical use of GenAI. Our goal? Not only to recognise the potential of AI, but to make it usable in everyday work - for more efficiency and innovation in all areas. Once you understand what is possible with GenAI, the foundation is laid for exciting new AI cases in the company.”

OTTO veteran Dr. Frederike Fritzsche focuses on AI as she steps in to Chief Tech Transformation Officer role

She added: “For me, a new dimension of diversity is also emerging here: tech affinity (tech-distant vs. tech-affine). If we don't take this into account, we risk an AI divide in the company. That's why it's important to me that colleagues who are less technologically savvy are also involved and empowered.”

“A central element of my work will be to support the introduction of AI culturally as well. To this end, we rely on various instruments, such as targeted further training with the help of a training navigator, an interdisciplinary exchange or the use of multipliers in the specialist departments, the GenAI ambassadors.”

“Thanks to everyone who has accompanied and supported me on this path – a special thank you to Müwü (Dr. Michael Müller-Wünsch), it is always fun to implement visionary ideas together with you. I'm looking forward to it. Let ́s go!”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which are now closed for entries.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Check out our finalists here.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.