Your greatest work achievement?
The entire Swissair fleet was grounded due to a financial collapse in 2001 and the airline faced a serious staffing problem. Many staff had worked for the company for years. Our job was to keep their spirits high.
We managed to keep the team together, and nearly every staff came on board to the new company, Swiss International Air Lines.
Dream brand to work on and why?
I don't have a dream brand. Every product is good. It depends on what a consumer needs. I would only work for a brand if I could identify with the product.
What would you do if you weren't in marketing?
Sell ice cream on the beach.
Who was your mentor?
My former boss in China. He taught me how to survive in a difficult environment, where I didn't speak the language, but had to learn to deal with people from a different culture. What I learnt in China is valid throughout Asia.
Is there a secret to your success?
Be yourself, be down to earth and, most important, respect others and try to understand their culture and the way they do business.
How do you handle difficult clients?
By listening to them and respecting their opinions. Instead of trying to impose my point of view I learn from our difficult clients: most of the time they have the solution to a problem.
Advice to the next person to do your current job?
Be prepared to travel a lot. You will also be surrounded by different people and cultures. It is an unforgettable experience. And, be patient.
What are you currently reading?
The 36 Strategies of the Chinese (adapting ancient Chinese wisdom to the business world).
Person you most admire and why?
My wife. She manages our newly-born twins perfectly, has everything under control, and still finds time to have fun.