Engineering, transforming society through technology, and a passion for fitness. Andreas Berger, Senior Director of Product Governance and Lifecycle Management at Rakuten Symphony, shares his passions, and personal philosophies that shape his life and work.
Tell us about your journey to Rakuten Symphony.
I'm from a little town not too far from Munich, Germany. Fast forward to today, and I've been living in Japan for about 11 years. My journey began with a mechanical engineering degree and an internship in Japan, which was cut short by the Tōhoku earthquake in 2011. This experience left me feeling like I had unfinished business andso, after graduating, I returned to Japan and started working as an R&D engineer for a German company in Tokyo. But I soon found myself transitioning into sales and project management, diving into everything from sales chats to pricing discussions.
Seeking a role with a deeper societal impact, I moved into consulting and completed my MBA in Japan. However, I found my true calling in the telecom sector, drawn to its potential to connect people globally through rapidly evolving technology.
That's when Rakuten came into the picture. After a few interviews, I got offered a position as Project Manager for Rakuten Mobile in October 2022. BShortly after joining the company, I moved to Rakuten Symphony right after its launch. I found myself as one of the first members in the portfolio management department, building things from the ground up - an adventure that keeps bringing new challenges every day.
Can you share a bit more about your current role?
I'm the Senior Director of Product Governance and Lifecycle Management. This role falls under the broader umbrella of business governance, a relatively new area for us. We now operate under two main sections: Product Governance and Lifecycle Management, which I lead, and Sales Governance.
Our teams work closely together, managing both sales processes and product oversight. Together with my dynamic team, we manage the company’s product lineup, collaborating with various business units to review and plan product developments, and track their performance and financial metrics to ensure transparency.
In a nutshell, we're the ones who keep everything organized and ensure everything is by the book.. We actively engage with each business unit, compile comprehensive product information, and ensure it's accessible organization-wide.
What was your best day so far since you joined?
A really good day for me is when we present a proposal to management and everything goes smoothly. When my team and I walk out of the meeting room with the green light and that feeling of, "Oh yes, it's approved!" - those moments are simply the best.Since I started here, I can genuinely say there hasn't been a single bad day. Busy for sure, but it’s the kind of busy that’s motivating, the kind that makes you excited to come to work every day!
Do you have a personal motto?
Yes, there's a quote I once heard that really stuck with me: "Every manager is only as good as their team members." It sounded a bit obvious at first, but once I started leading a team, I realized just how true it is. You really can't accomplish much without strong team members to back you up.
I'm lucky to have a team that's not only competent but also trustworthy. We emphasize a culture of transparency and mutual support, which is crucial in our work. As a manager, my role extends beyond oversight - it involves guiding the team and stepping in responsibly, especially when challenges arise. It’s about leading by example and being there for each other every step of the way.
What are some hobbies you enjoy pursuing to recharge from your busy work life?
I regularly hit the gym, about 4-5 times a week, often with my wife, which makes it a fun part of our day together.
I also have a passion for music festivals. Here in Japan, I make it a point to attend events like EDC, Ultra Japan, Fuji Rock, and Summer Sonic every year. They're incredible experiences. And in the summer, I love spending time outdoors, especially at the beach. It's the perfect way to relax and recharge.
How would you describe your experience at Rakuten Symphony?
I was initially drawn to the company's international presence and strong focus in the telecom sector. What has really stood out to me was Rakuten Symphony's philosophy that "you can make society a little better with your skills.” This idea deeply resonated with me because, unlike other places where the job might just be about fulfilling duties, here the emphasis is on how we can use our work to positively impact society.
Since joining, I've been able to apply my skills in meaningful ways, while deepening my expertise in telecom and software engineering. Here, I can use all the knowledge I gained from my MBA and truly feel that my work contributes to something larger. It's more than just professional growth - it's about making a real difference.
Do you have any advice for people looking to join Rakuten Symphony?
Definitely start by getting a good grasp of how things work here at Rakuten Symphony and who the people are. It doesn’t matter what your background is or the specific skills you have. If you have a strong interest in technology and telecom, you'll fit right in. There’s so much to learn at this company, and one of the best parts is how open everyone is to sharing their knowledge.
In my area, like project management, a little tip would be to brush up on your Excel and PowerPoint skills - they come in handy more often than you might think!
