YPOG expands VAT practice: Maren Rau and team strengthen the Hamburg and Cologne offices

Berlin, July 1, 2025 – YPOG welcomes Maren Rau as Associated Partner in the Tax practice at the Hamburg office. Together with a highly qualified team of four additional colleagues, they will significantly expand and further develop the area of VAT advisory at YPOG.  

With this step, the firm is specifically strengthening its expertise in VAT law as well as in the process-oriented consulting of companies and the implementation of Tax Compliance Management Systems (TCMS). In doing so, YPOG is responding to the growing demands of its clients for tax process security and digital solutions. With the expanded range of advisory services, YPOG is taking another step toward comprehensive consulting for growth and family-owned businesses or corporate groups, including companies focused on technological developments. 

Maren Rau was most recently employed as a Director at PwC and brings over 15 years of experience in consulting in her core areas of activity. She specializes in all facets of VAT law, the implementation of TCMS, as well as the recording and optimization of processes in companies. Her expertise is complemented by international experience in London and New York, as well as by her teaching and speaking engagements. 

“With the addition of Maren Rau and her team, we are responding to the needs of our clients, such as family-owned and growth companies, who are facing ever greater challenges in the area of VAT and process management as well as the development of Tax Compliance Management Systems. The demand continues to rise, and VAT is linked to virtually all business transactions within a company. We must prepare for this together with our clients. Maren Rau and her team impress both professionally and personally and enrich YPOG with innovative spirit and commitment,” explains Andreas Kortendick, Partner at YPOG. 

A strong team with a clear focus 
 
Maren Rau is supported by a team that impresses with solid expertise and practical experience. Janco Herzig, Senior Associate in Hamburg, has been working as a tax advisor with a focus on VAT since 2020 and places particular emphasis on process-oriented consulting. Tax advisor Fabrizio Apruzzese, Associate in Cologne, brings over nine years of professional experience, particularly in advising medium-sized businesses and in the field of international tax law. Lukas Schmidt, Tax Specialist in Cologne, has focused on VAT and knowledge management since 2022. Maxim Kotlov, also Tax Specialist in Cologne, is a certified tax specialist with a focus on VAT, a certified SAP Application Accountant, and has practical experience in dealing with AI applications in the tax context. 

“With the new team, we are establishing a dedicated VAT practice for the first time, which not only provides tax advice but also shapes the process-oriented and technological perspective within companies. In doing so, we are sending a clear signal for the strategic development of our tax practice,” comments Carola Rathke, Managing Partner at YPOG, on the addition of Maren Rau and her team.