If you want to be truly successful, you have to be passionate, driven and customer- and results-oriented.
Q: What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry?
A: I started my career as a planning engineer in the bodyshop at Adam Opel. I was always passionate about cars. My hobbies even involved cars, for example, restoring classic cars. Before I got my engineering degree, I did an apprenticeship as a car mechanic.
Q: GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
A: A successful launch project. When we had reached our targets for the paintshop in Ruesselsheim within a very short period of time, I was asked to manage the vehicle launch within the assembly area. It felt great to accomplish this project together with the entire team in the plant.
Q: BIGGEST FAILURE AND WHAT IT TAUGHT YOU?
A: When I accepted a job that I knew from the beginning would not work for me.
Q: WHAT ABOUT THE AUTO INDUSTRY SURPRISED YOU?
A: That it has continued to fascinate people throughout its 125 years.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT CHALLENGE AT WORK?
A: Improving the plant's competitiveness through restructuring and downsizing, while at the same time improving productivity and simply running the plant without losing our safety and quality focus.
Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
A: Don't limit yourself; be mobile.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A PERSON CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY?
A: If you want to be truly successful, you have to be passionate, driven and customer- and results-oriented.
Q: IF YOU WERE CEO OF A COMPANY WHAT WOULD YOU DO FIRST?
A: I would go about it in a very structured way: Listen to the team, get a complete overview of the business and the issues and address them methodically. I'd make sure that the entire company was moving in the same direction.
Q: WHAT JOB DO YOU REALLY WANT TO HAVE IN THE FUTURE?
A: A senior leadership position in manufacturing. I just love to build cars.
Q: WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX?
A: I spend as much time as possible with my family, but also enjoy golfing, tennis, gardening and reading.
Q: FIRST CAR?
A: Opel Kadett B.
Q: CURRENT CAR?
A: Opel Insignia.
