Ralf-Richard Kenter

Hardly any other place in the Rhineland evokes as many childhood memories as Phantasialand - and hardly anyone knows it behind the scenes as well as Ralf-Richard Kenter. The graduate of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at FH Aachen is now a representative of the Executive Director and has been with the company for over 30 years. Whether strategic communication, safety issues or major projects to secure the site - he knows all the processes in detail. In this interview, he explains how studying at FH Aachen prepared him for this role, why new challenges motivate him - and why one project has been with him for almost three decades now.

Mr Kenter, you have been working at Phantasialand for more than three decades. Would you have expected that when you were a student?

No. My path has not so much resulted from specific decisions, but from professional tasks. When I was asked to develop a location concept for Phantasialand in 1998, I would never have imagined that this process would still not be completed 27 years later due to the length of public law procedures and the influence of politics and the public.

What motivates you most about your work?

Variety. It's always exciting to familiarise yourself with new, unfamiliar topics and find solutions - especially when others claim that something can't be done. I like to bring things I've started to a successful conclusion.

What are your tasks at Phantasialand today?

I am a representative of the Executive Director and represent the company in the political and administrative environment, communicate with neighbours and the critical public, including the press. I'm the project manager for the site security and expansion process and the contact person for external lawyers. At management level, I am also responsible for security (property protection, fire protection) and special issues such as the Supply Chain Duty of Care Act and energy purchasing.

That sounds like a very broad range of tasks. How does the degree programme at FH Aachen help you with this?

The degree programme created the basis for a fundamental understanding of technical interrelationships. I was able to familiarise myself with project management for buildings and temporary structures, as well as management tasks in safety, maintenance and repair, catering, energy technology, waste management and environmental protection. Supplemented by my knowledge of industrial engineering and my many years of professional experience with legal issues, I now see myself as a generalist who is able to take on management tasks and offer solutions in every area of responsibility.

What were you particularly interested in during your studies?

I was already interested in energy generation before I started studying, for example nuclear fusion. In my opinion, unlimited, cheap energy would be the key to solving many global problems. That's why I took all the available courses on energy production - in other words, more than I actually needed to.

What is important to you in life?

My family is very important to me - that's my foundation. Honesty and reliability are also important to me. I firmly believe that you can do almost anything if you try seriously - but not everything at the same time. You have to prioritise and be aware of the consequences.

And when you get off work, what's your favourite way to relax?

Doing sport in nature. I'm also interested in AI and have started a few online courses.

Was there something that connected you to the university - perhaps even to this day?

Yes, absolutely. A visit with my daughter to the Jülich campus two years ago was particularly impressive for me. I showed her my CV there - on a stele as part of the exhibition celebrating FH Aachen's 50th anniversary. That was a very personal and emotional moment. I was also very pleased with the interview that was conducted with me at the time. It shows that the connection to the university is still there.