Through many long-term implementation assignments in fibers and technical textiles, I have a deep understanding of how to overcome entry barriers in these often very complex markets. I also know what it takes to motivate management and shareholders on these often cumbersome and not always linear routes to growth and success. My decade-long role as an advisory board member, representing the “anchor shareholder” in a family-held SME with employed management, has been the basis of my expertise in how to create and maintain above-average profitability (beyond 15% on sales EBITDA in this specific case), as well as how to align management, short-term shareholder interests, and long term objectives. Finally, I gained the experience of how to prepare and carry out successful successions in top management positions.
To round off my board expertise, I completed a course to be a certified advisory member with the Munich-based Board Academy (www.board-academy.com).