Germany's Best Secretary Competition, 2008

April 23, 2008

General knowledge, diplomatic skill and organisational talent – Leitz, Germany’s leading manufacturer of office products, tested the professional abilities of the most talented individuals from offices throughout Germany, and thereby paid tribute to a frequently undervalued profession.

Marc-Oliver Schlichtmann, who is 32 and comes from Hamburg, emerged as the winner; he was also the only male participant amongst the ten finalists. Astounding, as only two percent of all secretaries are male! He can now celebrate 2,500 euros in prize money.

Hamburg, 23 April 2008. With its competition “Germany’s best secretary“, which is now in its third year, Leitz, the office products manufacturer, is giving multi-talented individuals from the office the chance to present their abilities to the public. Marc-Oliver Schlichtmann was convincing all along the line, and triumphed against the strong female competition. Under the eyes of a specialist jury, he was particularly impressive in his general knowledge and in the category “Translation”.



The man from Hamburg is very pleased about winning the title: “I had really not expected to win, here of all places and as the only male participant: the competition was very strong.”

The newly-appointed secretary of the year for 2008 works at Allen & Overy LLP in Hamburg as an assistant to the senior partner. His everyday work includes organising, planning appointments and booking trips. “Marc-Oliver Schlichtmann really earned his first place. During the competition, he demonstrated impressively how diverse the tasks of a secretary now are", said Ard-Jen Spijkervet, Marketing Director for Central Europe at Esselte Leitz in praise of the winner. Tina Luckas from Ockenheim and Brigitte Krawinkel from Paderborn came second and third respectively.





Germany's largest manufacturer of office products is presenting the award for the third year, and in thus way acknowledging the frequently underestimated talent in Germany’s outer offices. Over 500 secretaries and office managers applied this year.

About Leitz Products
Leitz products are sold in over 40 European countries and 124 countries throughout the world. The Esselte Group generates an annual global turnover of $1 Billion; whereby Europe is one of the regions where sales have constantly been successfully increased year over year.

About Esselte
Esselte, With executive offices in Stamford, Conn., USA, is a leading global office supplies manufacturer with annual sales of approximately USD 1 billion, subsidiaries in 33 countries and approximately 5,000 employees worldwide. The company develops innovative solutions that simplify the modern home and workplace. Esselte sells more than 20,000 different office products in over 120 countries; its principal brands include Esselte, Leitz, Oxford, Pendaflex and Xyron. More information about Esselte can be found by visiting www.esselte.com.