AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE RISING STARS

What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry?
After several years spent in the construction industry, I joined the automotive world by working at UFI Filters. Since I was young, I have been a car enthusiast and I feel lucky that my passion eventually turned into my profession. The complex dynamics, global operations and technology transitions are what keep me attracted to the industry today.

Your greatest achievement?
On my very first assignment that included P&L (profit & loss) responsibility, one of the companies under my purview was experiencing severe financial difficulties. Although people at our group's headquarters were already working on a plan to shut down the business, I was able to convince them to delay this decision. I wanted time to study the company’s situation and its business model. Within a short time, I was able to implement some quick, effective actions. The turnaround worked surprisingly well. By the end of the financial year the company registered its first positive net result ever.

What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you?
So far, I have been fortunate enough to avoid experiencing any major failures. However, there have been plenty of obstacles and challenges along the way. Dealing with these situations has taught me to be flexible, adaptable, and most importantly, it has helped me to adopt a mindset of growth.

What is your current challenge at work?
The ongoing technological transition of the industry requires companies to prioritize different resources and investments very wisely. While a bunch of alternative powertrains may coexist for quite some time, it’s paramount to secure the current profitability targets of products that will underpin the company’s future. At the same time, we have to integrate the new sustainability models driven by automakers. This is probably my biggest challenge thus far.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
My first manager once told me to never be afraid of making mistakes. I treasure this piece of advice.

What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry?
Be creative when it comes to thinking of alternative solutions to any challenge that may arise. Also, try to develop a lifelong habit of learning. That’s the key to successfully growing and moving on to bigger challenges.

What job do you really want to have in the future?
In my almost 20 years of professional experience, I’ve moved several times and worked in six different countries ranging from the Far East to the Americas. This journey has given me so many incredible experiences and has afforded me the opportunity to grow as a manager as well as a person. As much as I love my current job and any upcoming professional challenges, I hope to one day take on a role that allows me time for coaching, mentoring and giving back to the team. Right now, tight deadlines and ambitious targets prevent me from dedicating myself to others as much as I would like.

What do you do to relax?
I love to ride my motorcycle because it helps me relax and refocus. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time to do this. That is why on weekends I ride my e-bike and take along my son.

What is your dream location to live?
I love Miami, Florida. It offers a perfect blend of culture, world-class entertainment, great weather and a vibrant business attitude.

What is your favorite driving song?
It is “White Knuckle Ride” by Jamiroquai.

What was your favorite road trip and why?
In 2014 my girlfriend and I drove a 1967 MGB around Ireland. We went from Dublin to the Ring of Kerry and then up to Galway along the Wild Atlantic Way. It was epic. Not long after that my girlfriend became my wife. We will always carry the wonderful memories of that trip with us.

What was your first car?
I learned to drive in a Renault Scenic. It was my mother’s car. After graduation I managed to buy a used Audi TT with my father’s help. I still remember that day with pride and joy.

Current car?
My car for daily trips is an Audi A6 Avant.

If you were a car, which one would you be?
Probably my current weekend car, which is a Porsche 911, with a manual transmission. Along with being the ultimate sports car, it is flexible enough to easily become a sort of family car when needed.