People Shape the Future
A look at digital personnel development at Koenig & Bauer
Julian Roßhirt is an expert actively helping to shape the future of learning at Koenig & Bauer. Since June 2023, he has been working there as a Specialist for Digital Personnel Development, bringing an exciting blend of business management expertise and practical experience. As a native of Würzburg, Koenig & Bauer has always been a familiar name to him. The crucial first step towards a career in the company ultimately came after a personal contact at a regional career fair.

His path into personnel development is characterised by curiosity, open-mindedness, and the drive to gain practical experience early on. Even during his studies, Julian Roßhirt focused on Learning & Development and information systems in his roles as a working student and intern. His work with ERP systems was particularly formative, giving him a deep understanding of business processes and IT structures – a foundation that greatly benefits him in his current role.
System work, interfaces, and strategy
There is hardly a typical workday for Julian Roßhirt, as his tasks are extremely varied. He starts with a look at the Learning Management System (LMS) and the project management tool to check on current topics and tasks. A large part of his work involves the administration and further development of the LMS, which includes course management, user administration, and the integration of new learning formats. His activity is very interface-rich: he closely exchanges information with the specialist departments on the design of new learning content and works with the IT department, which technically maintains the system. In addition, there are coordination meetings with external service providers for training courses, such as in the area of Google Workspace or AI training.
Besides operational tasks, Julian Roßhirt conducts KPI analyses and reports on the use and effectiveness of the learning offerings. He is also involved in various projects, for example in developing Group-wide further education processes and training concepts. This exact mix of system, interface, and project work is what makes his job so versatile and exciting.
He sees the greatest challenge in balancing operational tasks such as user enquiries and strategic projects or larger training concepts. What particularly motivates him is seeing how employees benefit from the digital learning offerings. At the same time, the enjoyment of trying things out, improving processes, and innovations drive him forward. When under stress, clear prioritisation and team communication help him to stay focused.
Digitalisation and the ‘AI Empower 25’ programme
Julian Roßhirt is currently involved in several projects that are strongly advancing the transformation process at Koenig & Bauer. These include the development of digital onboarding and the implementation of new e-learnings in the Online Campus. The LMS is also increasingly being used as a central hub for legally mandated training, to automate administration and tracking.
A particular focus since the summer has been supporting the ‘AI Empower 25’ programme. The goal is to specifically qualify employees in the use of Artificial Intelligence. The LMS plays a key role here, providing learning content centrally, organising training measures, and transparently mapping learning progress.
The topics of digitalisation and sustainability play a major role in personnel development, because “digital formats make learning more flexible, transparent, and resource-efficient, enabling efficient and contemporary training processes,” explains Julian Roßhirt.

The success factors: Empathy, technology, and spirit of innovation
According to Julian Roßhirt, to be successful in his field, one needs a good mix of technical understanding, organisational talent, and strong communication skills. Technically, knowledge of digital tools and Learning Management Systems is important, as is an analytical mindset for reporting and automation.
The communicative side is crucial, as he works with many interfaces – from specialist departments and IT to external partners. Here, empathy and consulting competence help him to find the right solutions and optimally support the users. Overall, one needs a feel for people, enjoyment of technology, and a willingness to constantly develop.
Especially with disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence, sensitivity is required. The aim is to engage employees based on their target group, create understanding, and build competencies – a central point in change management. Other important soft skills include project management competence, service orientation, a structured way of working, and last but not least, willingness to change and a spirit of innovation.
The future of learning: AI and the learning ecosystem
“The Koenig & Bauer Academy creates an environment where learning and personal development are promoted – strategically aligned and practically oriented,” emphasises Julian Roßhirt. “And that makes an important contribution to the future viability of the company. People shape the future!”
The dedicated team in personnel development strives to cover a broad spectrum of offerings – from specialist training to mentoring and competence management. They actively contribute to the further development of the learning culture.
What Julian Roßhirt personally values about his work is the mix of direct work with people – through training and consulting – and the support of digital tools as well as the design of processes. He enjoys the high level of personal responsibility and the very pleasant working atmosphere with colleagues who perfectly complement and support each other.
He sees the greatest challenges – and opportunities – for the coming years in advancing digitalisation: “Artificial Intelligence will strongly influence Learning & Development and create new possibilities for individual learning offerings. The big challenge will be to bring all employees along with these changes and to create a learning ecosystem in which digital offerings can be optimally used. Organisational demands will also increase: new formats must be scaled, and interfaces optimally coordinated, which makes the area challenging, but incredibly exciting and future-oriented.” With the Group-wide use of AI tools and the comprehensive active promotion and training of employees in this area, Koenig & Bauer is once again demonstrating a pioneering spirit. “I think it's great that our company is proactively leading the way here. We are not waiting to see what the future brings, but are actively shaping it.”