My name is Marc Stößer, Managing Director of Kompetenz für Schienengebundene Verkehre GmbH (KSV) in Leipzig. For many years now, I have worked closely with Sabine Higgen and her team at Departer – The Know-Who People in the field of Executive Search.
Our partnership began when Departer directly approached me regarding the Managing Director role at KSV. The company was undergoing a major transformation, shifting from a Buy & Build strategy into full integration with Trans Europa Express Holding AG in Switzerland. The position required not only strong leadership skills but also the ability to guide the organization into a new growth phase while establishing trust and alignment across the workforce.
Drawing on my experience as a Managing Director and my technical background, I took on this challenge and have now been leading the company for over five years. Since then, our partnership with Departer has continued to evolve and strengthen.
Over the years, Departer has successfully filled several key roles at KSV, from commercial management to railway operations experts and training leadership. Their approach is both strategic and personal: leveraging an extensive candidate network, conducting direct searches across Germany, and maintaining strong long-term relationships with candidates.
What sets Departer apart is their professionalism, transparency and genuine commitment. The candidates we’ve hired through them repeatedly highlight the respectful and insightful way they were approached and supported. Throughout every search process, Sabine Higgen and her team have ensured seamless communication and offered reliable guidance, creating a strong sense of trust at every step.
Thanks to Departer’s market expertise and Sabine’s leadership, we’ve been able to fill critical positions with individuals who align not only with the job profile, but with our company’s culture and long-term goals.
I would highly recommend Departer to any company seeking high-level Executive Search support. Their strategic focus, market knowledge, and dedication to identifying the right talent are second to none. I remain deeply grateful for the collaboration and look forward to continuing this successful partnership in the future.
Marc Stößer
Managing Director
KSV – Kompetenz für Schienengebundene Verkehre GmbH