In our most recent feature of Life@Oi, we spotlighted Julian Matejek, our Human Resources Business Partner for Sourcing and Supply Chain.
Corporate Responsibility (CR) is one of Otto International’s core pillars and sits at the heart of our operations. In this feature, we are highlighting three of our CR Ambassadors— KhanhLinh Vo, Michael Chen, and Hanna Wehder— who champion positive change within their local offices. Their commitment to driving sustainability within their office, community, and across our organisation exemplifies that the ethos of Life@Oi goes beyond our roles and responsibilities.
KhanhLinh Vo
KhanhLinh (Linh) joined Otto International in 2021 as a Merchandiser in Vietnam, bringing experience in retail and marketing with companies like Skechers. She has since gained expertise in Quality Assurance, gaining a deeper understanding of our supply chain, the 3D tools, quality processes and standards. Currently, she has worked as a Merchandiser for another one of our Key Accounts, ensuring the quality, cost, and timeline of our production are aligned across the market.
Inspiration
Linh’s main inspiration to take on this additional role was our previous Vietnam CR Ambassador, who was known for his grassroots, community-driven approach. “He cared about everyone and showed how even small changes, like replacing plastic bottle or reusing cups, can make a big impact,” she recalls. When he retired, he asked Linh to continue his work.
For Linh, the CR Ambassador role is more than responsibility, it’s about engaging our people and building connections with the wider Vietnam Community. “This role allows me to be a bridge,” she explains. “I can connect our business operations, our responsibility goals, and my colleagues’ everyday actions, so we can move forward together.” It is a platform for her to drive community engagement within the Vietnam office while aligning with Otto International’s broader sustainability values.
Initiatives
Since taking on this role, Linh has been responsible for numerous initiatives that reflect her creativity and leadership. She points to the second-hand auction as a standout achievement. The campaign brought together employees across departments to donate and auction pre-loved items, raising funds to deliver essentials and gifts to an orphanage during a community trip last December. “It wasn’t just about fundraising, it was about creating a sense of community,” Linh says. “It was one of the rare times that the entire office was all gathered together in one spot, laughing and sharing a purpose.”
Goals and Vision
Linh’s vision is to “expand Oi Vietnam’s CR footprint by fostering initiatives that resonate locally while contributing to global goals.” This includes future partnerships with NGOs such as Blue Dragon, who combat human trafficking, and Joy Foundation, who lead reforestation efforts.
Her personal goal is to continue serving as the bridge between Otto International’s business priorities, sustainability commitments, and the people she works with every day. “I want CR to be something that seamlessly connects our work and our daily lives,” she explains. “Even small contributions matter when they build a stronger culture of responsibility.”
Michael Chen
Michael’s well-established and multifaceted HR background in both French and American companies has given him the breadth of experience needed for his current role as HR Manager. Since 2006, he has been stationed in our Dongguan office, where he oversees the full scope of HR responsibilities. Beyond HR, he has also been deeply involved in Otto International’s CR efforts, serving as one of our first CR Ambassadors when the programme first launched
Inspiration
As someone passionate about collaboration, Michael embraced the CR Ambassador role as an opportunity to connect with colleagues across function areas and global offices. “When we bring together teams from different markets, we exchange new ideas, learn from diverse perspectives, and drive real change that extends beyond Otto International and into our communities,” he shares. For Michael, the role reflects his strong conviction that “organisations should not only focus on their business objectives but also deliver lasting impact on our societies.
Initiatives
Reflecting on his longstanding tenure as a CR Ambassador, Michael highlights our Plastic-Free Project as one of the initiatives he is most proud of. This global programme, launched several years ago, was a joint effort amongst all our CR Ambassadors to successfully eliminate single-use plastics across all our offices. For Michael, it stands out because our teams worked together to implement reusable and recyclable packaging alternatives, thereby “reducing our reliance on plastic by encouraging fabric and paper alternatives.”
Locally, Michael has led initiatives with other CR representatives across our China offices. These activities include flea markets promoting second-hand items, city walks combined with community clean-ups, and workplace wellbeing activities that integrate sustainability and inclusion. For him, these initiatives “demonstrate the holistic nature of CR and address environmental awareness while also engaging employees.”
Goals and Vision
Michael aspires to continue fostering conversation in the Dongguan office, inspiring colleagues to make environmentally conscientious decisions both at work and in their personal lives. As he explains, “it always starts with your daily choices. Small actions add up, and they can influence your family, your community, and beyond.”
Looking ahead, Michael is focused on strengthening collaboration between the Dongguan office and the local community, building partnerships with NGOs, and ensuring that together we do our part to make a change in the local community.
Hanna Wehder
Before joining Otto International, Hanna honed her skills at large international law firms, working in environments that demanded precision, resilience, and teamwork. Today, she brings those skillsets to our Hamburg office as our People Partner, responsible for the office’s HR responsibilities as well as its workplace management.
Additionally, she plays a vital role in advancing CR, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and employee wellbeing. Her goal is to foster an inclusive workplace, where colleagues feel valued. As Hanna notes, “creating such an environment is what motivates and inspires me in my day-to-day work.”
Inspiration
For Hanna, joining the CR Ambassadors was driven by a responsibility to make eco-conscious decisions. “As a mother, I want my actions to reflect the world I want my children to live in and help others do the same,” she explains. The CR Ambassador role gives her the opportunity to put this commitment into practice through hands-on initiatives that extend beyond her daily responsibilities – whether that means participating in community clean-ups, supporting charitable projects, or raising awareness about sustainable practices.
Initiatives
Among the many initiatives she has led, Hanna highlights Otto International’s ongoing partnership with Hanseatic Help, local NGO providing daily necessities to those in need, as particularly meaningful. This collaboration has included packing school bags for underprivileged children, preparing baby essential kits for new mothers, and cleaning and redistributing mattresses from music festivals to provide comfort to those who need it in winter. Hanna believes that “these initiatives demonstrate the tangible difference that can be made when employees come together to support their community."
She is also proud of initiatives within the office, such as their 2023 clean-up event with OClean, a Hamburg nonprofit organisation focused on reducing plastic use and promoting proper waste management. Together, our Hamburg colleagues collected 64 kilograms of rubbish in just two hours. “Seeing that much waste was eye-opening and sparked important conversations about how small actions can make a difference,” she reflects.
Goals and Vision
As a CR Ambassador, Hanna strives to embed responsibility into everyday life at Otto International. She believes that “small, meaningful steps taken consistently by individuals can build a strong culture of sustainability and social responsibility.” Her goals include inspiring colleagues to take action, whether through sustainable travel choices, resource-conscious office practices, or participation in community initiatives. “I want CR to feel natural, not forced,” she emphasises. At the same time, she is committed to continuously expanding her own knowledge on how to make more sustainable decisions and applying it in ways that benefit both colleagues and the wider community.
As a CR Ambassador, Hanna strives to embed responsibility into everyday life at Otto International. She believes that “small, meaningful steps taken consistently by individuals can build a strong culture of sustainability and social responsibility.” Her goals include inspiring colleagues to take action, whether through sustainable travel choices, resource-conscious office practices, or participation in community initiatives. “I want CR to feel natural, not forced,” she emphasises. At the same time, she is committed to continuously expanding her own knowledge on how to make more sustainable decisions and applying it in ways that benefit both colleagues and the wider community.
Check out our News page and LinkedIn for more business updates and employee spotlights to learn more about our Life@Oi.
