But following in his footsteps was never part of the plan.
- I never thought about working in the same business as my father, but sometimes life turns out differently than planned, says Kerstin. She joined the company in Düsseldorf back in 1991. Thirty-five years later, she is still there – today as Managing Director – after a career that has taken her through administration, finance and sales.
Taking opportunities as they come
Early in her career, Kerstin wanted to develop further. While working, she reduced her hours and began studying business administration, giving her the opportunity to combine what she learned with her day-to-day work. After graduating, she moved into finance and controlling.
Then, in 2006, an unexpected opportunity took her in a new direction. A position in sales became available.
“I didn’t spend long analyzing my career path or planning it strategically. My thinking was more like: why not try something new for a change? Perhaps now is the right time for it.”
The move brought her closer to customers and took her beyond Düsseldorf to different parts of Europe.
From Düsseldorf to customers across Europe
Between 2007 and 2012, Kerstin travelled to several European countries together with a colleague from Sweden, looking for new customers. Many of those trips took them to Italy, where they visited companies of all sizes, from large manufacturers to small local businesses.
Despite language barriers, they were met with openness and interest and found several new customers along the way.
“I’ve always enjoyed travelling and found it exciting to travel with colleagues and build new contacts. Particularly during a first visit to a company, curiosity and a certain amount of uncertainty go hand in hand, because you never know exactly what to expect.”
The trips left her with more than new business contacts.
“I have wonderful memories of those trips, and I learnt a lot from them – both for my career and for life.”
35 years of change
Kerstin became Managing Director in Düsseldorf in 2015. By then, both the company and her own role had changed considerably since she first joined.
Over the years, she has seen the company change in many ways. One important shift in recent years has been the focus on diversification – developing new products and business areas beyond the traditional automotive market.
But when asked what has kept her with the same company for so long, Kerstin's answer is as much about people and opportunities as it is about the work itself.
“Whenever I felt that something new was needed, a new prospect would arise at Suzuki Garphyttan. And this was always at the Düsseldorf site.”
“And I simply like this company and the people at Suzuki Garphyttan. I share a common history and a lot of memories with many of them.”
Staying curious about what comes next
While much has changed during Kerstin's time with the company, one thing she believes has remained strong is the commitment to quality, shaped by decades of working with the high standards and demands of the automotive industry.
Looking ahead, Kerstin believes the ability to adapt will remain important. Suzuki Garphyttan has changed direction and responded to new challenges before, and she sees that flexibility as important for continuing to develop the business.
For Kerstin, opportunities to develop, enjoying the work and collaboration with colleagues are all important – along with, as she puts it, “a healthy dose of curiosity about the future.”