from trainee to leadership

In 2016 we recruited Alexander Ruffing, who graduated with a master’s in engineering, into our first group of trainees. Alexander successfully completed the 18-month programme, spending time on five projects in three countries, while working for three companies across the group. 

He regularly presented his project results to an Executive Director, who also coached him during his time in the trainee programme. After completing the programme, Alexander was able to select his next move from a number of options. He chose to become a department manager, where he is responsible for 40 employees at one of our key plants. Alexander: “The international trainee programme gave me the opportunity to gain a great deal of experience in projects in Europe and North America. The intense coaching and direct contact with management helped me to further develop my skills and find my way personally. I am very happy that I have taken on a new role as department manager, where I am responsible for 40 employees.” In order to prepare Alexander for his leadership role, he joined our leadership development programme for high potentials, successfully completing the programme’s four modules in 2018.