I was currently working for a large Swiss group dealing with piping systems as a Controller of the French subsidiary when I was asked for a position of Managing Director at Hettich.
After some research on the internet, I discovered a world, I couldn’t think about before, the one of furniture fittings. I was quite suspicious at the beginning about this new opportunity as I was a woman (not so common in the industry sector) with no real experience in management of the subsidiary. But the interviews with the Hettich Management team, their philosophy, strategy and enthusiasm finally convinced me to jump at this new position and I joined Hettich in 2001.
As a Managing Director of a subsidiary, I’m in contact with all company’s departments.
My role is to enlarge our market share in France, ensure a profitable growth and to develop the team in term of knowledge and performance. I have also to create contacts with Press, Schools and professional Organization.
Hettich is working with a matrix-organization, this means that according to the market segment we are dealing with, we are working with the corresponding Division inside the Group to offer the best service in term of products, logistics and marketing support to our different type of customer. As a Managing Director, working with my German colleagues of each Division, I have a chance to put into practise the different approach to our customers from main furniture producers in Kitchen, Residential and office as well as dealers, carpenters, architects and to get the whole picture of the furniture industry on the French Market .This is not generating monotony…
Encouraging the development of people by training by promoting initiatives is also a demanding but fascinating job well appreciated at Hettich probably because it is family -owned one.
As a Managing Director, acting within an International network, I can take advantage of a large Group and organization but I can be autonomous enough to find the best strategy for my local market.
To resume, a large variety of task but also a lot of fun in this so special Group!
Catherine Courcel
Managing Director Hettich France
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