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2.2015
trends in automation
Soft Stop
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Can you kite-
surf in China,
Dr. Hiller?
Yes, absolutely. The tropical island of
Hainan in the south is a hotspot for kite
surfers. Unfortunately during my two-
year stay in Shanghai as Co-General
Manager of Festo Greater China, I didn’t
get the opportunity to unpack my kitesurfing gear. But I
did try to make the most of another type of updraft. Rapid
growth also poses huge challenges for companies. With
almost 20 years of experience at Festo, the last ten of which
I spent as Head of Sales Management Europe, I was able
to fully contribute my know-how. I was ready to steer large
organisational units, and my family and I had been well
prepared for life in China. Three months of language lessons
together, along with an introduction to the culture and
tradition, were very helpful but of course you don’t really
get to know the customs and differences properly until
you’re there. That includes everything from food, lifestyle
and how they communicate through to their world view in
the broadest sense.
For example, in my everyday working life the topic of flexi-
bility was key from the very start. Meetings that we in
Germany would plan and prepare for two weeks in advance
are often announced just a half day beforehand in China.
Initially I had to adjust to that but you also learn to use
these traits to your advantage. Because it was not rare for
such spontaneous meetings to result in decisions that were
just as fast. While I was there I visited many of our 42 sales
offices, which were far from the bright lights of Shanghai,
and met many people along the way both professionally
and privately and the country and its people have left a
lasting impression.
Now after two years we are back in Germany and we have
just learned so much. Our time in China was fascinating
and enriching, but I am looking forward to my new role as
Head of Global Market Management and member of the
Sales Board, and to once more focusing on subjects such
as sales strategy and market presence in a global context.
And perhaps to unpacking my kiteboard on my next holiday
and feeling the power of that updraft under my feet.