A Personal Take on Mobility – From Canada to Switzerland with Family in Tow

Philippe Guevremont, Corporate Head Aftermarket and Head Aftermarket EMEA, Widen, Switzerland

I am currently based in Widen, Switzerland, as part of the Corporate Industry team, where I share responsibilities as Corporate Head of Aftermarket and Head of Aftermarket EMEA. In this dual role, I drive the corporate aftermarket strategy and global key initiatives, while also growing the EMEA aftermarket business and fostering close relationships with key target accounts.

Before relocating to Switzerland in July 2024, I held the position of Executive Vice-President Industry, in Montreal, Canada and my family will be joining me this summer. The decision to move abroad wasn’t spontaneous – it was a long-standing dream for my wife and me. Over the years, personal goals, professional opportunities, and family timing all aligned to make this the right moment. Even though our children are older now (16, 19, and 21), we wanted them to truly experience another culture, not just see it from a distance. We wanted all of us to step out of our comfort zones. I was fortunate to receive a wealth of advice from Sika colleagues who had made similar changes (you know who you are!)

During the process leading up to our move, one moment stood out. My future manager asked me a very simple but very important question before any other discussion: “Is your family 100% ready to make this move?” It might sound obvious, but when your kids are at such different stages in life, that question means everything. After many conversations at home, we all agreed: the time was right.

From there, things moved fast. Sika HR in Widen was incredibly supportive – answering countless questions, and connecting me with great relocation experts in Switzerland, especially concerning public school options. They also supported me with understanding the financial implications, connecting me with experts on both sides of the ocean. That kind of support was key. At the same time, doing your own research is equally important. Moving to a new country is exciting, but it comes with new rules, unfamiliar processes, and lots of learning.That said, I had excellent support, especially from the Industry team and HR who answered more questions than I can count. The welcome in Widen was warm, and it was great to connect with collegues I usually see on Teams! Knowing a few team members from past trainings and meetings, made it easy to connect with new colleagues and settle in. This is where you see the importance of developing your internal network at Sika!

My family will join me this summer, and they’re already looking forward to the change – and yes, slightly better weather!There are things I miss from home: my family (soon to be reconnected), my friends (though they visit often), Montreal Canadians "Habs" hockey games at a reasonable hour , and of course, my Canadian colleagues whom I worked closely with for 14 great years at Sika Canada! But there’s a lot I’ve come to appreciate here: the pragmatic mindset of the Swiss – which fits well with my engineering background, the public transport system, the quiet Sundays (which often turn into days spent on a bike - oh yes, the cycling culture is big here!), and being exposed to so many cultures in the surrounding countries in Europe.

To anyone considering a move like this, I’d say:

It doesn’t matter what age you are or how much experience you have, if it fits, just do it. Take the chance to collect adventures for yourself and your family.

Looking back, these three words describe it best: Enlightening. Enriching. Growing.