Job title: Vice President Marketing
Department: Marketing
At Henkel since: January 1993

How did you get started with Henkel?
I started working with Henkel in Düsseldorf as a product manager on fine fragrances in 1993. It was my responsibility to integrate the recently acquired perfume business. In 1994, I became international product manager of the oral care brand (Theramed) getting promoted to marketing manager of International Oral Care the same year. In 1998, I took my first assignment and moved to the Netherlands becoming marketing manager for the Benelux body, skin and oral care brands. In 2000, I relocated back to Düsseldorf becoming international marketing manager for the international product group hairstyling. In 2002, I became Regional Marketing Director Overseas for the Asia Pacific Area with focus on Japan, China and India. In 2004 I moved to Scottsdale, Arizona to become Director of Innovation and Personal Care at the Dial Corporation, which had just been acquired by Henkel. During 2006 I took over responsibility for the integration of the newly acquired deodorant brands (Right Guard, Soft &Dri, Dry Idea) and became vice president of marketing for this product group.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
My role is very much characterized by the marketing of a classic consumer goods company. Together with my team I coordinate all market related activities around the brands and deal with numerous external and internal partners and agencies. From product design to advertising, from product development to sales execution there are a wide set of tasks that connect people inside and outside the organization. Leadership skills and high social abilities are required for this role as Marketing is owner of projects and initiatives that involve a large number of people.
 
What do you think makes Henkel special?
Henkel gives its employees the chance to work with people all over the world, to learn about different cultures and to have the opportunity to spend time outside of their home country to develop and discover something new about themselves. In Henkel people gain independence and responsibility at early stages in their career. This is personally challenging, but allows a fast development of skills and talents.

Which projects have  you worked on?
I launched the product Theramed 2in1, the first two in one toothpaste, all over Europe. I was also involved in the launch of Taft, a leading hair styling brand, in international markets. Working with Asia, I helped reorganize existing business models and implement a new marketing process. Moving to the U.S., my team developed the launch of Dial for Men, Dial’s first personal cleansing line exclusively for men. The integration of the new deodorant brands required team building, process steering, product development and sales support.