Looking back through your established career, what would you identify as a personal highlight?

I have worked for very dynamic and multicultural companies so I am lucky to have had many highlights! When I was a Finance Manager for Alfa Romeo I was the only woman at the time working at this level in the business globally and I was also very young. It was a big challenge as I took over from someone who gave up after 3 months despite his experience, so I was asked to take on the role as they needed someone with personality. The position was in the UK and at the time I did not even speak the language! The role was a great success and I was later asked to become CFO for Mazerati.

My current position is also a big challenge, where we are really driving costs in production and purchasing. I had slowed down in my career and taken on the role as a mother, however, my young daughter is now 4 years old and last year I decided it was time to focus on my career again. An opening became available at Barry Callebaut due to a maternity leave and this has given me the chance to step up again.

If you could go back and give your younger (graduate) self some career advice, what would it be?

My advice to any graduate would be to gain international experience, seeing different countries and companies. It is a great opportunity to learn and gain respect for other cultures. It is important not to forget your individuality, but you need to be open minded. All of my highlights have been linked to international experiences, including projects I have been involved in in Russia and South America. This is really how you differentiate yourself.

What advice would you give to ambitious women who are aspiring to reach senior leadership roles?

My advice to anyone aspiring to senior leadership roles would be to never give up, but women need to make an extra effort. You really need to have belief!

When interviewing candidates at an earlier stage in their career what are the common mistakes you see and what advice would you give?

A lack of enthusiasm and preparation. I need to see ‘the drive’ in the person, why are they interested in the job or the company? There is sometimes a lack of direction and you are searching for the personality.

What are your personal motivators, particularly when working in a high pressure role?

My family is of course a strong motivator and also it helps that my husband is in a similar role, so his opinion is always important. We do not always speak about work, but if I have a concern they we can talk it through. I am a very motivated person anyway and I enjoy working, but it is important for your family that you are also satisfied.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of your role?

Being able to support management and profitability, the numbers are always important! Providing financial support where you can see how this effects commercial decisions and drives the direction of the business is really rewarding.

You have worked for Barry Callebaut since the end of 2007, what excites you about working for the business?

I started in the company working in the cocoa division, so I saw the source of the raw material and now I am working in chocolate as the finished product. I love the product, and love working in a product orientated business. It is a seductive product and I consider myself really lucky to work here. Previously I had the opportunity to work in the automotive sector and this was also great for me as I love cars as well! I have only ever left companies in the past where I did not have a feeling for the product.

What do you think are the major challenges that lie ahead for Switzerland’s growth?

Switzerland needs to rethink its business model as the environment has changed and there is a need to reinvent to become more competitive and innovative. I believe that behind every problem there is a new opportunity.

*Views and opinions contained within our Executive Interviews are those of the Interviewee and not views shared by EMEA Recruitment.*