Lifelong Learning and Team Spirit
You have been working at Sika for 38 years now – what were your main challenges?
I started out as a plant manager in Zurich, was a regional production manager in the Asia/Pacific region and a troubleshooter in the US, and am now responsible for overseeing factories worldwide. I could closely follow the development of Sika's products, beginning with the simpler ones in the 1970s right up to today's high tech products.
What fascinates you and what has been your principal motivation?
Obviously to be part of the development of the different segments in our business has been both a challenge and a source of great fascination. To be in contact with different individuals from different cultures was among the things that attracted me most. Seeing the progress made in achieving common goals and also encountering motivated people drove me in my work. One of the fascinating things about Sika is that all accomplishments were made possible thanks to the Sika Spirit. Even when times were hard, we always worked as team.
What strong values have you experienced over all these years?
The strong values embodied by Sika are never giving up, always looking forward, as well as respecting fellow humans and nature. I always felt I was part of a big family whose prime objectives were to improve and to grow. The focus on the construction business with all its facets was an experience for a chemist. The focus on adhesion for all purposes and applications, which provided the impetus to be an active player in industry, added security to our jobs.
In what way would you change the world if you could?
I don’t think we can change the world. It follows the course that nature dictates. I try to influence developments such as lowering our carbon footprint, reducing poverty and giving children opportunities to dream and get a good education.