Henkel CEO

Diversity is a key driver of our business success. We are convinced that diverse teams, that is teams of different nationalities, gender and experience, contribute substantially to better understanding our different markets and further improving our performance.

Head of Diversity & Inclusion

? You became the new Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion Management on May 1, 2011. What are the main duties that make up your new function?

We all know that diversity can provide a significant value-add to an international company such as Henkel, not least in economic terms – as has been verified many times over. Seeking a good mix of international colleagues from all age groups should be regarded as both integral and essential to our corporate philosophy. We need to specifically include and appreciate people who have different ways of thinking and working. For me, reinforcing such inclusive attitudes at Henkel is a top priority.

Another primary target is to further increase the percentage of women in leadership positions. To achieve this, we as a company will need to further promote the flexibility in our working conditions. My task is to define clear objectives and measures in close collaboration with our business sector managements.

? Why are diversity and inclusion so important for Henkel?

We are a global corporation with around 48,000 employees and activities in over 125 countries. More than 80 percent of our employees work outside Germany and over half of them work in the emerging markets. We want to successfully participate in the growth of the relevant markets. To make sure that happens, we need the best teams at the right locations. And it is important that we are perceived as an attractive employer – both internally and externally.

? What have you previously done at Henkel and what past experience are you able to bring to your new position?

I have been with Henkel for ten years and have held various management positions in IT and personnel management, both in Germany and in the USA. So I myself have been greatly influenced by diversity and can make good use of the experience I have gained. During my period in the USA, for example, I found that the issue of Diversity & Inclusion enjoyed a far wider and more natural acceptance, albeit with different points of emphasis. I learned of some good and practical examples that we can surely utilize in our everyday activities here.