What attracted you to the auto industry?
When I got the offer from Daimler, it didn’t take me long to decide. A company with one of the best-known trademarks in the world, a huge portfolio of premium cars, commercial vehicles and financial and mobility services was certainly appealing. I was convinced that in connection with these parameters, the legal and compliance tasks must also be very broad and therefore also very interesting.
First automotive job:
I started in November 2011 when I became head of the Daimler legal department.
What was your big breakthrough?
Taking the job as head of Daimler’s worldwide legal department.
What major challenge have you faced in your career?
The moments when I broke new ground were always very special and challenging experiences. But if one has the courage to accept and deal with changes, one is usually rewarded.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
That was my boss at my previous company, Emerson Electric. We worked together for nearly 10 years and did significant development work on various projects. He was a wise mentor with an international outlook and very straightforward.
What should be done to encourage women to enter the auto industry?
To encourage and promote women, we need clear objectives as well as the required support. At Daimler we have set ourselves the goal of increasing the proportion of women in senior management positions to 20 percent by the year 2020. We also offer excellent working conditions, international career prospects and the possibility to combine family and working life. Part-time work is also possible. But this is not only to the benefit of women. We have created conditions that allow both women and men to combine a career with family life as optimally as possible, and we are implementing this very effectively in my area.
What’s your favorite weekend activity?
I always look forward to spending time with my husband on the weekend. We relax and, whenever possible, we head to the mountains. We also both enjoy going to the opera.
The best advice you’ve ever received?
Always have the courage to take on new challenges and always be true to yourself, even during difficult situations.
