Expert interview: Bianca Hinrichsen and Dr. Philipp Brüning on the new dual management at Hertz & Selck

2026 marks a turning point for Hertz & Selck: For the first time in the company's history, it is active at two locations, and since June 2026 it has again been led by a dual management team: Bianca Hinrichsen, who has been Managing Director since 2023, and Dr. Philipp Brüning, who has been on board as the second Managing Director since June 1, 2026.

In conversation: responsibility, leadership style – and how a career change into the tobacco industry becomes a life's work.

H&S: Please introduce yourself briefly. Who are you, and what do you do at Hertz & Selck?

Bianca Hinrichsen: I have been Managing Director since 2023. As a trained food chemist, I came to Hertz & Selck as a laboratory manager in the pharmaceutical industry and spent seven years as a flavorist in a Hamburg flavor house – first as laboratory manager, then in development, and after ten years as managing director.

Dr. Philipp Brüning: I joined the company on June 1st, 2026. Before that, I spent a long time in the TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) industry – most recently six years in management positions at two TIC service providers. For me, this represents a transition from a purely service-oriented environment to a company with its own products.

H&S: Mr. Brüning, what has impressed you the most so far?

Dr. Philipp Brüning: Above all, I appreciate the production process with its automation technology, the mid-sized company character after my time at a large corporation, the palpable company identity – for example, when Jan or Peter Hertz talk about its history – and my colleagues with their enormous expertise. I learn something new here every day.

H&S: Ms. Hinrichsen, you've been with us for quite some time now. What do you find so inspiring about it?

Bianca Hinrichsen: Definitely the team. We've grown from 38 to 105 employees, yet I still know everyone by their first and last names. I really appreciate the company's free spirit and their willingness to listen to everyone.

H&S: Why does Hertz & Selck need two managing directors again now?

Bianca Hinrichsen: Since its founding, the company has always had two managing directors. Due to various circumstances, I have been solely responsible since 2023. The purchase of the second property last year brought significantly more work – then good contacts came to my aid, and everything went faster than expected with Philipp.

H&S: How do you divide the tasks?

Bianca Hinrichsen: Philipp, a food chemist with a doctorate, primarily oversees the laboratory and production areas, while I concentrate on sales and development, as I have extensive knowledge of the customers and the market. However, we don't operate in isolation – we collaborate closely, especially on overarching topics such as purchasing and quality management.

H&S: What does the role of managing director mean to you personally?

Bianca Hinrichsen: I am happy to take on responsibility. It is important to me that our more than 100 employees continue to have a good, secure job.

Dr. Philipp Brüning: For me, the concept of responsibility is central – towards the team, the shareholders and our customers, so that we can continue to deliver premium flavors.

H&S: How would you describe your leadership style?

Bianca Hinrichsen: I am a big fan of servant leadership: setting goals, making the path possible, but letting the individual shape the path themselves.

Dr. Philipp Brüning: Similarly – freedom to create, but with reliability, commitment and transparency as core values.

H&S: Mr. Brüning, why are regional roots and global scaling no longer mutually exclusive?

Dr. Philipp Brüning: „Made in Germany“ stands for reliability and high standards – this is the basis for scaling internationally, especially since Europe often leads the way in regulations.

Bianca Hinrichsen: Additionally: Our advantage is consistent quality – customers always receive the same flavor and aroma from us, plus short delivery times of around three weeks. Many competitors take at least six weeks.

H&S: The claim „We Flavour the World“ – what does it mean to you?

Bianca Hinrichsen: It reflects the fact that we travel worldwide – from India to Dubai to America. I'm a big fan of it because it shows that we want to engage with the whole world.

H&S: How diverse is your team?

Bianca Hinrichsen: Very – colleagues come from, among other places, Brazil, Colombia, Poland, Russia, Tanzania, Egypt, Turkey and the Philippines.

H&S: What are you most looking forward to in the collaboration?

Bianca Hinrichsen: I now have a sparring partner in management who will shape the next twenty years with me. I've always had plenty of ideas, and now we can implement them together.

Dr. Philipp Brüning: That's exactly what I'm happy about. We're both food chemists with very different backgrounds – it's a good fit. I wouldn't dare to make a five- or ten-year vision just yet, but the foundation is solid for us to be successful together.