Those who recognize the signs of the times early on and are prepared to respond to new trends and needs can not only increase their own value, but also achieve sustainable success.
Our interviewee of the month is used to trying out new things with his keen sense for market opportunities. What began with a passion for precision and technology has led him step by step to his current management position. The path he took to get there was anything but straightforward, but that is precisely what made him the accomplished entrepreneur he is today.
Harald Klein began his career as a precision mechanic. As a Swiss champion at the World Professional Championships, he demonstrated his determination at a young age and has been driven to develop himself ever since: From service technician to various positions in sales to global key account manager and sales manager to founding his own company: he gained extensive experience that today helps him to recognize new opportunities and make innovative technologies, products and services marketable.
Since June 2023, he has been bringing this ability to bear as Managing Director at New Process AG a long-established company that offers a comprehensive range of lubricants for all applications in industry, metalworking, machinery and motor vehicles. Harald Klein launched the challenge of integrating a start-up project into the existing company structure, opening up new markets and at the same time maintaining the company's traditional service orientation and customer focus.
With the market launch of the Klima-Diesels HVO 100 Harald Klein is sending out a clear signal in the energy sector. As electrification is often seen as the main route to climate protection, HVO 100 as a complementary solution. This diesel produced from waste oils and residues offers sustainable ecological benefits and could be the key building block for a diversified energy future - and Harald Klein is determined to make a significant contribution to this change with the New Process AG to contribute.
Mr. Klein, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
"I would probably have started out as a chef and developed into a hotel host over time. The world of gastronomy has always fascinated me. I gained my first experience at a young age and realized how much I enjoyed cooking. Chefs are impressive people and I learned a lot from them. Cooking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a real passion. That's why I can well imagine leaving the industry at some point and dedicating myself to the hospitality industry. People eat all over the world, and food brings people together. That's something that excites me."
What is your favorite way to start your day?
"I prefer to start my day well-rested and with enough time for a decent breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day for me and gives me the energy I need. And of course it also includes a kiss from my wife - after more than 30 years of marriage! When I get to the office early, I feel fit and ready for whatever the day brings."
What does success mean to you personally?
"For me, success means being satisfied and happy. You achieve this by setting the right goals and actually achieving them. It's about creating something that works harmoniously and at the same time is something special - something that not everyone can replicate immediately. It's important to me that this success doesn't come at the expense of something else or someone else. Harmony is crucial here."
"For me, success also means being able to make full use of my skills and talents, and it's even more satisfying when you develop something of your own outside your own comfort zone."
Harald Klein
What would you work for free for a week?
"I would like to spend a week working on a project that really benefits people in need and has a lasting impact. It should be something that has a leverage effect, i.e. work whose results bring great benefits in the long term. One example of this is my contribution to a mountain farmer who I helped to cut a road into the mountain and build a turning area. The farmer has now been using this road for many years - that shows me how valuable such assignments can be."
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"A very formative piece of advice came from a board member many years ago when I joined the management team at the age of 32. He said to me: 'First earn money, then spend it. Pay attention to the order. This simple but effective sentence has stayed with me ever since - and it's also great to apply in my private life."
We would like to thank Mr. Klein for his contribution to this article.
This interview was conducted orally.
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
