Who We Are

We work towards a more human
way of doing business

Our Story

Rlevance was founded by Christian Vatter in Berlin in 2014 — out of a conviction that most organizations think about marketing the wrong way around. They start with what they want to sell, then look for ways to convince people to buy it. We start with the people on the other end: what they actually need, and what genuinely makes their lives easier, better, or more meaningful. Real value first. Everything else follows.

Becoming truly relevant takes three things. A deep understanding of human psychology — how people actually think and behave, not how we wish they would. Systems thinking — because every challenge sits within a larger context, and factors depend on each other in ways a single measure rarely captures. And a strategic mindset — rigorous methods and a clear process that turn understanding into direction that holds up over time.

The name says it: not loudness, not clever persuasion, not short-term tactics, but relevance. The kind of relevance that makes customers return, recommend, and stay.

The People Behind Rlevance

Christian brings over 20 years of experience across more than 50 organizations — from fintech unicorns and global automotive brands to hospitality concepts and major infrastructure projects. Based in Berlin, he works with clients across DACH and internationally. He regularly contributes to marketing publications and speaks at international conferences

He leads all client work as strategist and sparring partner — solo or together with a curated network of senior experts across research, strategy, creative, and design disciplines. Whatever the scale of the challenge, there is always the right expertise at the table.

Principles

Human-Centered

A business that creates value for its customers is valued by them in return.

Strategic Approach

Long-lasting solutions are the result of a thorough process that considers all factors.

Research-Backed

Scientific research and proven methodologies drive reliable, impactful results.

Systems Thinking

Embracing interconnectedness and complexity results in solutions that truly work.

Multidisciplinary

Because people experience the world holistically, only a blend of disciplines can be effective.

Creative Problem Solving

Inventiveness is the key to developing powerful solutions to complex challenges.

The Relevance Manifesto

For us, relevance is not a feeling. It is the result of a method. Our beliefs about customers, brands, and what it really takes to matter to people are set out in The Relevance Manifesto.

Read the Manifesto →

 

 

 

Expertise

 

Customer Research and Insights

Brand Positioning & Communication Strategy

Service Branding

Brand-driven Customer Experience

Experience Innovation & Service Design

Retail Experience & Concepts

User Centered Architecture / Placemaking

Customer Centricity / Customer-centric Transformation

Process

Comprehensive Challenge Definition

Tailored Process Design

Deep Research & Analysis

Solution Design & Strategy Development

Project Initiation & Implementation Oversight

Performance & Strategy Evaluation

Expertise

Process Strategy & Design

Research & Analysis

Concept & Solution Innovation

Briefing & Accompanying Implementation

Performance Measurement & Strategy Reviews