A stable partnership
Interview with EWE’s Head of Finance
Mr Eichholz, what would you say are the key features of your partnership with Helaba?
To appreciate the significance of this partnership, you have to understand that EWE sees itself very much as a pioneering force for modern energy markets. We have a wealth of ideas about how to shape the transition to renewable energy sources and incorporate innovative approaches into our day-to-day business. This prominence of innovation in our corporate culture makes it all the more important to have a reliable partner at our side.
But what is it that really sets Helaba apart from all the others in practice? I would have to say continuity in customer support. We have had a permanent contact assigned to us since 2008. Working on our behalf, he coordinates a team of highly committed specialists focused on creating the solutions we need.
This goes a long way to explaining why Helaba remains on our list of preferred core banks – a list we have pared down from 21 institutions to just 12 over recent years.
Dirk Eichholz
Head of Corporate Finance and Risk Management, EWE
How active a role does Helaba assume in the partnership?
All I can say here is: proactive! The foresight demonstrated by our team of advisors at Helaba is quite remarkable. We communicate regularly and openly too: a high level of transparency makes co-operation so much easier.
Both organisations are very much customer led, focused on results and good at getting things done. These shared values make us stronger, especially when we are blazing new trails – for example with innovative technologies for renewable energy. We particularly value Helaba’s ability to manage uncertainty and keep a cool head in the context of large, long-term project finance arrangements.
Are you planning new projects together?
I will be very interested to see how both organisations develop. Four years ago, it would never have occurred to me to consider Helaba when looking to place bonds, but it now has a good presence in this market as well; in fact today Helaba is able to offer us access to the full range of capital market services.
Thank you for speaking with us, Mr Eichholz.
Further Storys
A global teamA global team
The team co-operates across national boundaries from various sites in the USA, Europa and Asia for the benefit of the Sparkassen and their multinational and SME customers.
