I joined Hilti in 1993 on a really exciting project to plan and launch our first plant in China. I then moved into manufacturing technologies, joint a business unit as head of development for diamond systems and got also the opportunity to take responsibility for one or our businesses as business unit head. I did this for a few years and, since then, I’ve been responsible for corporate research and technology, which by the way is the most fantastic job at Hilti!

We have an informal open office space, where I can see 80% of my team right from my desk. It makes it easy to chat about projects and ideas when things are fresh in the moment. We also have regular meetings where we assess new ideas and hopefully mature them to feature on the next roadmap for a research project.

Our creativity comes from our people, so we try to hire people with a special profile. People who are curious, who want to explore and contribute.

I joined Hilti as a product manager for mechanical anchors in our head office in Liechtenstein. While working on a development project for new screw anchors, I discovered my passion and talent for project management. And, although I have no technical background whatsoever, I was given the opportunity to move into project management.
 
Two years later, I was chosen to be part of Impact+, an international, cross-functional leadership program for young talent at Hilti. The program was a real inspiration for me. Over the course of nine months, we were 16 ambitious and creative young managers, from all parts of the world, working together to solve real problems for the company.
 
Shortly after completing Impact+, I was promoted to head of project management in Kaufering. I’m now also responsible for business development of fire protection in the energy and industry segments, leading a diverse team of project managers, business developers and technical specialists. Added to that, I’m part of our business unit’s management team, which means I’m actively involved in the strategy and important business decisions that shape our future.
 
When I started my job as product manager nine years ago, I never imagined the career path I’ve followed. But this is what I love so much about Hilti: our personal development process gives you the opportunity to discover your true talents. Together with your management team, you can define the best way for you and the company to make use of those talents. This might lead you down unexpected paths. Personally, I’ve loved every single step I’ve taken so far.