Heading: Digital Tools, Real Impact: Anke Lewerenz, Head of Planning at DB E&C in Hano-ver and Braunschweig, on Steering DB E&C Projects Across Northern Germany

Anke Lewerenz didn’t plan on becoming a leader at one of Germany’s major planning hubs –but then again, she’s never followed a traditional script. Her journey from a construction engineer at small firms to leading a 250-person team across Hanover and Braunschweig is shaped by bold career pivots, quiet conviction, and a drive to connect strategy with action.

“I started out in classic planning,” Anke recalls. “Three different firms, each bigger than the last. The railway was always our main client – so even early on, I was orbiting DB.”

Over time, her role evolved from technical planner to project manager. That evolution sparked a deeper question: what kind of impact did she really want to have? “I loved the work, but I wanted to focus more on leading projects than drafting plans,” she says. That clarity led her to her next leap.

Stepping into Project Leadership – and Finding Her Voice

In 2011, Anke got a call that would change everything. A headhunter approached her about DB International. “They were looking for pure project managers,” she says. “No planning responsibilities – just leadership. That excited me.”

She joined and spent five years managing complex infrastructure projects. But when DB International merged into the project board, Anke took a brave step: she applied for a team lead role in Berlin, managing a group of project leaders. “That’s where I found my stride,” she says. “It wasn’t just about delivering projects – it was about coaching people, shaping processes, and bringing teams together.”

The experience gave her a front-row seat to the inner workings of DB – how standards are shaped, how governance drives delivery, and how much influence thoughtful leadership can have on the whole system.

The Central Chapter: Trading Projects for Purpose

In 2019, Anke Lewerenz stepped away from direct project work and moved to headquarters, taking on a governance role overseeing production and project management standards across the board. It was a shift from field to framework – and a test of her adaptability.

“It was tough at first,” she admits. “You miss the energy of live projects. But I gained a big-picture perspective – how decisions ripple through operations, how tools actually shape outcomes.”

The experience would soon come full circle.

Back to the Field – This Time, to Lead

After four years in a central role, Anke felt the pull of operations once again. “I missed the action,” she says simply. “I wanted to see how all those strategies play out on the ground.”

When the Head of Planning position in Hanover opened, she didn’t tick every box – but she applied anyway. “I believed I could grow into it,” she says. “And I have.”

Today, Anke Lewerenz leads a 250-person team across two locations. She brings with her a unique blend of frontline experience and organizational insight – and she’s determined to use it well.

Agile at Scale: What Makes DB E&C Different

“What surprises many people is how agile we are,” Anke says. “We’re part of DB, yes – but DB E&C operates like an independent firm. Flat hierarchies, fast decisions. We’re more nimble than people think.”

The trade-offs are real – corporate processes can slow things down – but the opportunities outweigh them. “We have access to major infrastructure projects and resources that private firms can’t match. And we invest in our people. That matters.”

Collaboration Without Borders

Anke’s planning unit interfaces regularly with other DB E&C subsidiaries, especially in digital innovation. InfraView’s construction diary? Her team helped refine it. Overlaps with ESE on regulatory projects? Routine. Shared office in Braunschweig? Daily synergy.

“These informal connections build real value,” she says. “It’s not about silos – it’s about sharing and shaping together.”

Future-Forward: AI, BIM, and Tools That Actually Work

Digitalization is reshaping how Anke’s teams plan and deliver. But she’s not here for buzzwords.

“Tools like x2BIM are great – but only if people use them,” she says. “It’s not about glossy brochures. It’s about integrating digital tools into real workflows, so they solve actual problems.”

For Anke, innovation isn’t about chasing trends – it’s about applying them with purpose.

What She Looks for in People: Curiosity, Communication, and Courage

When hiring, Anke’s priority isn’t perfection – it’s energy. “Curiosity. Motivation. That spark,” she says. “We work in an interface-heavy environment. You need to collaborate, communicate, and care.”

And in hybrid setups, those qualities matter even more. “It’s not about showing up – it’s about showing up for each other.”

A Project That Changed the Game

One milestone stands out: the digital interlocking project in Harz-Weser. “It was a pilot – Lower Saxony’s first digital rail system,” she explains. “The control unit wasn’t even finalized when we started. Timelines were tight. Pressure was high.”

The experience sharpened her team’s capabilities and reinforced their role as a trusted partner – even in ambiguity. “That project showed us what we’re capable of. It was a defining moment.”

What Makes DB E&C Special? Scale, Diversity, and a Shared Spirit

When Anke Lewerenz describes what sets DB Engineering & Consulting apart, she sums it up in five words:

Innovation. Diversity. Agility. Complexity. Team spirit.

“We tackle some of the most challenging infrastructure projects out there,” she says. “But what truly sets us apart is how we do it – together.”

Innovation isn’t just about new tools – it’s about practical, forward-thinking solutions. Diversity means more than backgrounds; it’s about different perspectives coming together. Agility comes from flat hierarchies and fast decision-making, even within a large organization. Complexity? “That’s the nature of our work – and we thrive on it,” Anke says.

But for her, the heart of it all is team spirit.

“Even in tough moments, we regroup. We support each other. That unity – that’s our strength.”

To Women in Engineering: Apply Anyway

Her advice to women? “Don’t wait to be 100% ready. Men apply when they’re at 50%. You can grow into the role.”

She’s lived it. In 2002, she was often the only woman at the table. “People thought I was there to take notes – or serve coffee. But I knew my worth.”

Now, she pays it forward – mentoring, encouraging, and reminding women: “Believe in yourself. Be brave. It’s okay if it takes more than one try.”

And above all: don’t ask, ‘What if I’m not ready?’ Ask: ‘What if this is the start of everything?’