Otto Group must appoint new executive board member for technology as Mahbobeh Sabetnia departs

After a brief stint on the executive board, Mahbobeh Sabetnia is already leaving the Otto Group. Sabetnia only took over from Sebastian Klauke in May as group executive board member for technology, business intelligence, e-commerce, and corporate ventures. After just six months, the sought-after digital executive has already stepped down.

Her duties will initially be handled by current members of the executive board. Katy Roewer, group executive board member for finance, controlling, and human resources, will assume responsibility for corporate ventures in addition to her existing remit.

Dr. Marcus Ackermann, group executive board member for multichannel distance retail, will, in addition to his current remit, take on responsibility for e-commerce, business intelligence, and technology.

The arrangement takes effect from December 1 and will remain in place until further notice. The Hamburg-based retail group said a final decision will be made at a later date.

“We thank Mahbobeh Sabetnia for her commitment and her contribution to the further development of the Otto Group and wish her every success in her future endeavours,” said CEO Alexander Birken in a brief statement.

Within her remit covering technology, business intelligence, e-commerce, and corporate ventures, Sabetnia played a significant role in advancing the group’s digital and AI agenda and helped strengthen the group’s technological orientation.

Before joining the Otto Group, she held senior roles at Amazon, McDonald’s, HSBC, and Mars, and most recently at Haleon, where she served as chief tech product officer.