Early Life and Education
Carsten Maschmeyer was born on May 8, 1959, in Bremen, Germany. He experienced a challenging childhood, growing up in Hildesheim and living in an orphanage. His early life experiences instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and resilience. Maschmeyer was also a successful middle-distance runner as a teenager.
Career and Rise to Success
Maschmeyer's professional journey began with a part-time job in sales while studying medicine. However, the financial opportunities quickly surpassed his medical studies, leading him to become a full-time financial consultant in 1982. He then founded the AWD financial group in 1988, which became Europe's largest independent financial advisory. AWD went public in 2000 and expanded into eleven countries, employing around 11,000 people. In 2007, Swiss Life acquired AWD for CHF 1.9 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Maschmeyer's key business strategies have included building a strong sales force, expanding into new markets, and recognizing the potential of independent financial advice. He has also focused on identifying and investing in promising startups, providing them with both capital and mentorship. Maschmeyer's ability to adapt and innovate has been crucial to his success.
Philanthropy
Maschmeyer is an honorary senator of the Leibniz University in Hanover and a freelance lecturer at the International School of Management in Munich, where he funds scholarships. He also supports various charity projects and initiatives aimed at helping children. He founded the "AWD Kinderhilfe" and has made significant donations to various causes.