What advice would you offer to someone relocating to Switzerland?

Embrace Switzerland and do not be tempted to compare it with your home country.  Adapt to the different ways of life and attitudes.  Schooling is very different; children go to school here at a later age and do not spend a full day until they are in 4^th or 5^th grade.  For native English speakers you will have no problem living in one of the big cities; however you must learn German if you are going to a rural community. Enjoy the lovely landscapes!

You have worked for Helvetic for the last 8 years, how have you found the Swiss market & working environment has changed over this period?

The aviation industry has changed a lot over the last 8 years.  There is a great deal of legislation to comply with now.  The banking sector has seen a similar increase in reporting and compliance issues.  However, these changes are true of the aviation industry worldwide, not just here in Switzerland.

With the economic slowdown of the Swiss economy in 2015, what do you think are the major challenges that lie ahead for Switzerland’s growth?

In the short term, companies need to do their homework, adapt accordingly and become more efficient.  Restructuring is necessary, transferring some of the labour force elsewhere in Europe for example.  Long term, here in Switzerland, we need to focus on innovation and motivating the younger generation to continue in further education, pursue their academic studies and take up apprenticeships.  There are a huge number of apprenticeships that have not been filled; this must be addressed.  The youth of today are the key to the future.

Swiss companies must become more efficient to compete with the changing Euro and US Dollar exchange rates.

What does your organisation currently do to contribute towards the corporate social responsibility?

This is not heavily advertised but we sponsor 8 cars for an organisation called Tixi – a foundation that provides a taxi service at a heavily subsidised rate for people who can no longer access public transport (for example, wheelchair users, OAPs).  The drivers are all volunteers.

What are Helvetic’s growth plans?

In May 2010 we had 120 employees; today we have more than 400. In the last 12 months our fleet has increased from 6 to 13 planes, with an accompanying increase in personnel.  3 years ago we decided to create our own maintenance department to maintain a tighter control on cost; we now have 50 engineers of many different nationalities.  Unfortunately there are no longer any academic programmes in aircraft engineering in Switzerland and no Swiss specialists in this field so we were obliged to source personnel from abroad. 

We now need to look at consolidating our rapid growth; we do not want to increase our overheads so we want to look at streamlining processes and rearranging tasks.  We are no longer a small company.  Today with so many employees we have less interpersonal interactions.  Previously I knew every member of staff personally but at our recent summer party I did not know everyone.  We want to imbue our company culture in all our staff; we wish to stabilise now and digest our new growth.

If you could go back and choose a different career what would it be?

I had no clear plans when I was younger; I went with the flow.  I never set out to work in the aviation industry.  Working at Coopers & Lybrand, one of the big audit companies, gave me the foundation to go abroad.  I would not change my career path.  I feel that whatever you do, you must be passionate about it.

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

I work with so many interesting people - people of different nationalities, with different skill sets from engineers to pilots and cabin crew and people of all ages.  I enjoy motivating our staff.

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

I cannot define one highlight, there are several.  In a previous job I worked out in Delhi, India for a time which I found rewarding.  Recently when we purchased a new aircraft, I travelled in the cockpit alongside the pilot which was great.  However to travel on one of our flights alongside passengers and see that they are happy is just as rewarding for me.

How would you advise a jobseeker to approach the current market?

At the moment I think it is quite difficult; you are competing against so many other people. You should focus on your strengths and convince your counterpart that you are the one for the job.  Be open minded and face challenges head on.  You cannot limit yourself to an industry that interest you; you may find a job in an area you like or maybe not.  All companies have good points and areas where you can make a difference.  This should be your goal: to make a difference and improvements in a company.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Yes, but they remain hidden!  I enjoy sports, in particular running - I am currently preparing for my second marathon. I also enjoy skiing and hiking in the mountains!!

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