Stefanie Merz, Germany, MBA Class of 2007
Global Innovation Director, Essity

What were two of the key takeaways from your time in the MBA program?
"In the MBA program at Pforzheim university I could have the winning combination of a highly International Program, meeting fellow students from all over the world, profound fields of study led by excellent professors and spending a semester abroad with a well-known partner university. The international environment broadened my view and with many of my fellow students I am still friends today and we keep a good network."

What was your career path like after graduation?
"I am happy and a little bit proud about my career path after graduation. The success recipe in my eyes is high-quality education combined with diligence and perseverance.
Writing my MBA thesis with a company, Mars Petcare, I could start in the Management Trainee Program right after graduation. After successfully completing the Sales and Marketing Trainee Program I took responsibility as Brand Manager and after 3 years I did a sidestep into Category Management – broadening my skills in the Demand driven area. After 8 years with Mars I left to pursue a career with Essity, a well-known Swedish FMCG company. Here I started as Marketing Manager, leading the team in the DACH region, and after two years was promoted to the European Marketing Director position, heading the European Retail Marketing Team. Recently I was promoted to Global Innovation Director, now strengthening my skills in a global perspective and heading & coaching the Innovation team as well as shaping the global innovation pipeline."

What aspects of the MBA program would you tie to your success after graduation?
"I would say that the MBA in International Management was exactly the field of study and knowledge needed to acquire to be successful in the industry and FMCG environment. Especially the aspect of deeper studies in selected management subjects and the semester abroad, leveling up my English language skills, as well as the International network built, were a good basis and booster for my career."

Thanks, Stefanie!