Mieke Haehner, the Director of USA Distribution for Orthomol, recently made a significant professional move. She relocated from Germany to Chicago to lead the entry of the established European supplement brand into the American market. This transition required a shift in strategy, particularly regarding consumer education. While German customers often receive guidance from local pharmacists, American buyers rely heavily on digital resources. Haehner emphasizes the importance of translating complex scientific information into accessible online content to bridge this gap.
Her leadership style draws from her decade of experience in Germany’s top-tier field hockey league. She credits her time in competitive sports for shaping her belief in team cohesion and recognizing individual strengths. For Haehner, the ability to create an environment where every member succeeds is essential for achieving long-term business goals.
Looking back on her move to the United States, Haehner describes the experience as a vital career step that also offered significant personal growth. She advises other women in the supplement industry to stay curious, maintain an open mind, and trust their professional instincts. Her transition illustrates how international brands navigate distinct cultural consumer behaviors by adapting their communication and leveraging a strong, collaborative internal team culture.