Since March 2022, Golan Kristal has been the Head of New Protein Solutions at BayWa AG and, since early 2023, the Managing Director of AgriFoodTech Venture GmbH (formerly BayWa Venture GmbH).
The multidisciplinary entrepreneur, manager, and start-up investor is responsible for start-up collaborations and investments at AgriFoodTech Venture GmbH, while also leading the New Protein Solutions division. With an MBA in digital technology management and entrepreneurship, she brings over twelve years of experience, including roles as a co-founder of a successful e-commerce start-up, senior manager at a Rocket Internet start-up, and senior consultant in strategy and investment consulting.
Since joining BayWa AG in 2019 as Senior Venture Manager for New Proteins, Kristal has shaped the company’s focus on alternative proteins. BayWa New Protein Solutions, which she has led since its inception, is dedicated to sustainable protein supply for the future. This involves customized protein trading, investments in tech-based start-ups, and networking in the alternative protein sector to create long-term, meaningful partnerships in the food industry.
What does innovation mean to you?
Innovation is essential to develop our business, discover new ventures beyond our comfort zone, and protect us from future market disruptions.
What is NOT innovation?
No innovation theater. We don’t innovate for the sake of innovation; in our context, innovation must serve a business purpose.
Why should a company be innovative?
Without innovation, there is no new business, and without new business, there is no future viability. We must continuously evolve, taking many small incremental steps and occasionally making radical leaps. The organization must never stand still, or we risk becoming obsolete.
What prerequisites does innovation need?
Freedom, trust, and flat hierarchies, but no tolerance for incompetence. Success in innovation management can be measured like in any other business area.
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