How have you been involved in the Magento ecosystem?

I have been deeply involved in the Magento ecosystem for nearly a decade (since 2015), progressing from an apprentice developer to my current role as Director of the Magento Business Unit at basecom. Over the years, I’ve led development teams, overseen strategic projects, and attended different events like Meet Magento, Mage Titans, Mage UnConference and Adobe Summit. Aswell I was part of the Community Maintainer of the Magento Open Source Repository and created multiple contributions to the platform itself. My journey has allowed me to engage with the platform on both a technical and leadership level, ensuring that my work benefits both clients and the broader Magento community. Since early 2024 I'm on the hosts of the german Mage-OS podcast.

In what ways have you contributed to the Magento Association and/or other non-profit communities?

I have contributed to the Magento Association through my role as a Community Maintainer for the Magento Open Source repository, helping ensure the platform's continuous improvement by reviewing community contributions. Additionally, I co-host the German Mage-OS podcast, which serves as a platform to keep the community updated on important developments and trends within Magento and the broader eCommerce space. Through this podcast, we engage the community in discussions, share knowledge, and foster collaboration.

What value would you add to the Board to help us advance our mission?

My ability to bridge the gap between technical development and community needs would ensure that the Board’s decisions are grounded in the practical realities of Magento users and developers. I would focus on driving innovation, improving communication across the ecosystem, and supporting the community’s growth through mentorship and open-source contributions. This, in turn, aligns with the Association’s mission to foster a thriving, sustainable Magento community.

What are the top 3 initiatives you want to see the Board accomplish in the next 6 months?

1. In the short term, I would prioritise creating stronger communication channels within the Magento community. This includes increasing virtual meetups, providing more regular updates through podcasts, webinars, and community discussions, and building platforms for more direct feedback from users and developers. Strengthening these connections will allow the community to stay informed and engaged, driving collaboration and ensuring the Association’s goals align with the needs of its members.

2. Over the next six months, I would push for more streamlined and accessible contribution processes for the Magento Open Source repository. This could involve refining contribution guidelines, organising more frequent contribution sprints, and providing dedicated resources to assist new contributors. By making the contribution process smoother and more transparent, we can encourage broader participation and innovation within the ecosystem.

3. One immediate priority should be encouraging the reintroduction of the Magento brand by its trademark owner, Adobe. Magento is a highly recognised and trusted name in the eCommerce community, and having Adobe promote the Magento brand again will reinforce the identity and legacy that the community has built over the years. This can help drive engagement and brand recognition for future growth.

What initiatives do you want to see the Magento Association focus on in the coming years?

One of the most critical initiatives I would like to see is the increased presence of Adobe at major eCommerce events such e.g. DMEXCO and K5 in Germany. Adobe, as the trademark owner, plays a crucial role in the Magento ecosystem. Their lack of visibility is contributing to a loss of market share, as the community and potential clients no longer see Magento as a priority for Adobe. It's vital that Adobe not only shows up but actively participates in shaping the future of Magento, providing clear strategic direction, and engaging with the community. This could include keynote speeches, product updates, and collaboration with Magento community leaders to reassure users of Magento's future under Adobe’s stewardship.

What are the biggest challenges that you think the Association has faced and how would you approach them?

The Magento community and Adobe have not always been aligned, with Adobe often seen as distant and unresponsive to the open-source community’s needs. This lack of direct, consistent engagement has led to frustration within the community, as there hasn’t been a clear avenue to voice concerns or influence the future of Magento in Adobe’s broader ecosystem.

Another key challenge is ensuring that the Magento community remains open and welcoming to new members, developers, and contributors. As technologies and platforms evolve, the Magento ecosystem must continuously bring in fresh perspectives and talent to remain competitive and innovative. However, barriers to entry and a lack of clear onboarding paths can limit the flow of new community members.

To overcome these challenges, it is critical to establish ongoing, structured communication channels between Adobe and the Magento community. The Magento Association should act as a liaison, organising regular discussions, forums, or feedback sessions where both sides can openly share their perspectives. Adobe needs to better understand the community’s concerns, while the community must recognize Adobe’s broader business goals. By fostering a two-way dialogue, we can ensure that both sides are aligned on the platform’s future direction.

To address the need for new members, the Magento Association should focus on making the community more accessible to developers and contributors at all levels. This includes simplifying the onboarding process, providing mentorship programs, and actively promoting the benefits of contributing to Magento Open Source. Additionally, educational resources and localised events can help attract talent from diverse regions, ensuring the community grows in both size and diversity.

What else would you like to share to either the Election Committee or the membership of the Magento Association as they review your application? What makes you a great candidate to join the Board of Directors?

It’s crucial to understand that by making Magento Open Source stronger, we are directly contributing to making Adobe Commerce a better platform as well. Both platforms are closely intertwined and complement each other. Innovations, improvements, and a thriving open-source community provide the foundation that Adobe Commerce can build upon to offer a robust enterprise solution.

I have consistently contributed to the Magento community, not only through my technical work but also by co-hosting the German Mage-OS podcast. This format helps keep the community engaged and informed, which aligns with the Association’s mission of fostering collaboration and communication within the ecosystem. My leadership experience allows me to bridge the gap between technical and business perspectives, ensuring well-rounded decision-making.