In the section Backstage, interesting personalities from the financial sector and beyond provide insights into their personal preferences every Wednesday.

What do you do first in the morning?

I briefly open my eyes and check whether my youngest is already awake. Then espresso — freshly ground, Bialetti. In that order. Most of the time.

What is the best thing about your job?

Wine is so multi-layered and culturally rich that you never stop learning. Just when you think you have understood everything, something completely new comes along. This product moves people like few others. It is about enjoyment, memories and moments.

A moment that changed your life?

The far too early death of my brother. It made me realize how much I postpone into the future — and how little I enjoy the moment. That stays with you. And it changes the way I make decisions.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

A Mercedes — and a Defender, built in the early 2000s. The Defender is clearly my favourite. It is one of a kind: you feel the engine, you feel the road. It is the opposite of modern isolation — and sometimes exactly what you need.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Explain less, listen more. And answer more clearly — not only to others, but above all to yourself.

What are you particularly proud of?

Of teams that have grown. Not of figures — but of people whom I was able to accompany for part of their journey and with whom I am still in touch today.

What do you do when you have doubts?

I go for a walk. Or I sleep on it. Both help surprisingly well — and most of the time the answer is clearer the next morning than any analysis the evening before.

What is your favorite wine?

It changes constantly — and that is the beauty of it. At the moment, as a red wine, it is the 2022 Le Barze, Rosso Toscana IGT from Tenuta Ceri. And as a white wine, the 2023 Chardonnay Alta Angelica Zapata. Two very different worlds — both compelling.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are consistently further developing Mövenpick Wein: premiumisation, a new digital loyalty programme — and with Liquid Grape, we are opening up an entirely new segment: wine as an asset class. It is an exciting time.

What do you admire in other people?

Composure under pressure. It is easy to be generous when things are going well. Those who remain so when things are not going well — I have great respect for them.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to take over your job for a day?

How little time — unfortunately — is left for wine, and how much is spent on people, communication and trust. And that almost everything that truly matters runs through networks: the right conversations, at the right time, with the right people.

What is your personal drive?

The joy in what I do. And the possibility of changing something for the better — and giving people the ability to follow that path.

What are you afraid of?

Indifference. In companies as in life.

Your favorite watch brand?

Audemars Piguet. And Jaeger-LeCoultre. And — quite honestly — Swatch. Craftsmanship that needs no explanation. At every price level.

Is there an unfulfilled dream you would still like to realize?

A small vineyard of my own — somewhere with a view. Not for the market, but for the joy of it.

Your best investment?

My four sons — without hesitation. Everything else is secondary. Financially? Apart from wine as an asset class, probably property: an asset you can touch, that endures — and that you understand.

Nikolas von Haugwitz was born in Kenya and grew up there. He completed his education and studies in Germany. He then spent 18 years at Hawesko AG, most recently as Executive Board Member for e-commerce and digitalisation. This was followed by executive responsibilities at Vom Fass AG and the position of CEO of Schuler St. Jakobskellerei. Since 2024, he has been CEO of Mövenpick Wein AG. He is married, father of four sons and a passionate winegrower without his own vineyard.