Welcome to Cologne Aftersales Forum 2025

After a pandemic-related break since 2019, the Cologne Aftersales Forum returns in September 2025 for its 21st edition. As one of the most respected events in the European automotive aftermarket, the forum has always stood for thought leadership, strategic dialogue, and valuable business connections. In 2025, Wolk & Nikolic and BBE Automotive are joining forces to continue this long-standing tradition and provide a refreshed format that meets the current challenges and opportunities of the aftermarket.

Participants can look forward to a day full of expert presentations, market analyses, and networking with decision-makers and innovators across the industry. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, service provider or researcher, this event offers valuable impulses and practical insights to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Fotios Katsardis – President and CEO of TEMOT International since 2005
Following earlier positions in the steel and wire industry as well as in the lubricants and oil & gas sectors, he held senior management roles at Robert Bosch for many years. Today, he is recognized as a committed advocate of international trading groups, global networks, and sector-specific representation.

He studied Economics at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, European Economics at the University of Exeter (UK), and earned an MBA in Antwerp (Belgium). Scholarships from the European Parliament (Robert Schuman Programme) and the United States (Fulbright Commission) shaped his international profile early on—further reinforced by his multilingualism.

Together with his wife, Prof. Dr. Maria Elo, he conducts research alongside his leadership at TEMOT on the global automotive aftermarket and is co-editor of the Springer volume “Automotive Aftermarket” (2024).

Raik Rudat – Director After Sales, MG Motor Deutschland
Raik Rudat is Director After Sales at MG Motor Deutschland and has extensive experience in the automotive aftermarket. His focus lies on service strategies, claims management, and parts business development. Prior to joining MG, he held several leadership roles at Formel D, where he was responsible for global service operations, aftermarket projects, and process optimization in international markets.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Adrian Zlocki – RWTH-Aachen
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Adrian Zlocki studied automotive engineering at the RWTH-Aachen University (Technical University Aachen). During his studies he stayed abroad for one research semester at the POSTECH University in Pohang, South-Korea. Since 2004 he has been employed as a Scientific Engineer at the ADAS department of the “Institut fuer Kraftfahrzeuge der RWTH Aachen University“ (ika), the Institute for Automotive Engineering. He was responsible for the AD and ADAS department at ika. He is currently head of fka’s Automated Driving department. He holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and a professorship from RWTH Aachen University. He is currently teaching the courses “Automated Driving “ and “ADAS and Active Safety”.

Prof. Dr. Patrick Tichelmann – AI & Automotive Aftersales Expert
Prof. Dr. Patrick Tichelmann is a professor at TH Köln and Co-CEO of Detection X GmbH. His work focuses on the application of artificial intelligence in industrial and automotive contexts. He specializes in machine learning, predictive maintenance, and intelligent image recognition. At Detection X, he develops AI-based solutions tailored to the needs of the automotive aftermarket, helping companies unlock the potential of digital transformation.

Frank Toebes – Managing Director at NRF
Frank Toebes has been leading NRF for over 12 years. The company is a European specialist in cooling solutions and automotive aftermarket parts, operating as an autonomous affiliate of Banco Products India. With a strong focus on innovation, industrial applications, and e-mobility, NRF is committed to sustainable and ambitious growth across Europe.

Hadia Gouider – Group Strategy Director at NRF
Hadia Gouider is Group Strategy Director at NRF, a leading supplier of automotive thermal parts. With over a decade of experience in the automotive aftermarket, she has held key roles in business development, strategic partnerships, and international trading groups at NRF and NGK Spark Plugs. She is also a member of the IAAF Council, contributing to the future of independent aftermarket distribution in Europe.

Michael Saitow – Founder & CEO, ALZURA AG
Michael Saitow is the founder and CEO of ALZURA AG, a leading European e-commerce company with a strong focus on the automotive aftermarket. Since founding the company in 2002 (originally as Tyre24), he has been driving digital transformation in B2B trade through scalable platforms and innovative business models.

With a background in automotive electronics and a sharp sense for market-driven innovation, he has built ALZURA into a broad digital ecosystem serving the industry. Today, the company employs over 300 people and achieves strong double-digit growth, with several platforms ranking among the top 10 e-commerce brands in Germany and Europe.

Mark Alagna – CEO, Innovation Group Germany
Mark Alagna is CEO of Innovation Group Germany and has over 20 years of experience in the automotive and insurance sectors. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as CFO and board member of the company. His expertise lies in digital transformation, claims and workshop management, and strategic leadership. Under his direction, Innovation Group is driving the development of integrated digital platforms such as Gateway to meet the future needs of the automotive aftermarket.

Eckhard Brandenburg – Senior Consultant & After Sales Expert
Eckhard Brandenburg is a Senior Consultant at Wolk & Nikolic After Sales Intelligence GmbH. With deep expertise in the automotive aftermarket, he focuses on strategic consulting, project development, and market research for leading OEMs such as the Volkswagen Group and BMW Group.

Before joining Wolk & Nikolic, he spent many years at BBE Automotive GmbH, where he was instrumental in developing tailored solutions for international aftersales strategies, organizing industry forums, and advising on data-driven market approaches. Eckhard holds a degree in Business Administration (Diplom-Kaufmann) from the University of Cologne and is a regular speaker at aftermarket conferences across Europe.

Room contingents have been pre-reserved and can be booked at the event rate.

The room rates are only valid in combination with the event. Check-in is available from 3:00 PM on the day of arrival, and check-out must be completed by 12:00 PM on the day of departure. The surcharge for a double room is €25.00 per night/room, including breakfast.

Business Room (23 m²)

Included Amenities:
✓ Free Wi-Fi
✓ 1 bottle of mineral water upon arrival (0.5L)
✓ Access to the fitness & wellness area
✓ Nespresso coffee machine
✓ TV, safe, and minibar
✓ Comfortable double bed

€149.00 including breakfast and excluding the cultural promotion

Superior Room (28 m²)

Enjoy additional amenities in our Superior Rooms and relax in the seating area while taking in the stunning view of Cologne.

Additional charge: €15.00 per night/room.

Deluxe Room (35 m²)

Enjoy your stay in our Deluxe Rooms, located in a prime location. The comfortable seating area with a view of the city invites you to unwind after a busy workday.

Additional charge: €50.00 per night/room.