5 questions for Alexander Foufopoulos, CFO of Buss ChemTech AG

Who hasn't stood at a turning point and asked themselves whether the path they have chosen is the right one? In the course of our (professional) lives, we repeatedly come across decisive moments that present us with a choice: continue on the familiar path or boldly venture into unknown territory. Our interview partner of the month experienced such a key moment very early on in his career:

"One of the most important decisions I made was to leave the purely technical path as an engineer. Although working in this field is undoubtedly exciting and interesting, I felt that focusing exclusively on a specific technical niche would limit my opportunities."

Alexander Foufopoulos

Alexander Foufopoulos studied mechanical and chemical engineering in Germany and the USA and switched to the management side of industry after completing an MBA at the HEC School of Management in Paris. This move not only allowed him to apply his technical knowledge and skills in a broader context, but also deepened his understanding of the complexities of business. "This opened up a field of diverse challenges and opportunities that went far beyond what I could have experienced in a purely technical career," says the current CFO of Buss ChemTech AG.

Alexander Foufopoulos brings a wide range of experience from well-known multinational companies: from the construction and construction machinery sector to life science and biotechnology to the current process technology company, where he has been CFO since March 2022. With his strong background in finance & controlling, strategic planning and technical development, he is currently responsible for the financial position and business development of the Buss ChemTech AGa global leader in innovative process technologies for the chemical industry. The Buss ChemTech AG not only provides engineering services, but also has pilot plants and a laboratory that enable it to optimally plan and implement process engineering processes in line with customers' specific requirements. Thanks to this comprehensive expertise, the Buss ChemTech AG The company sets standards in the industry and offers its customers significant added value for their value chains as well as process guarantees.

The company is characterized by its agile, practical structures. Operational challenges are often the starting point for learning processes. For example, artificial intelligence is currently an important topic that the company is pursuing in order to analyze its decades-old project portfolio. For Alexander Foufopoulos, personal and professional development and further training are not only important for himself, but also for his employees:

"Genuine trust in employees is absolutely key for me. This approach is a challenge for many managers, as they fear losing power by delegating responsibility. But the opposite is true!" says the experienced CFO. For him, an organization unfolds its full potential when as many decisions as possible can be made directly at the grassroots level, by those closest to the tasks and challenges. "Encouraging employees and creating a supportive environment are essential, as this not only increases commitment, but also ensures that everyone feels taken seriously. A corporate culture like this not only promotes individual development, but also strengthens cohesion and the overall growth of the company."

Alexander Foufopoulos | CFO of Buss ChemTech AG

Find out more in the interview about Alexander Foufopoulos and the best advice for his professional career and private life.

Mr. Foufopoulos, If you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?

"I would probably have ended up in a purely technical career in an international environment, which is quite typical for a trained engineer. My affinity for languages and intercultural encounters would probably have led me to be transferred to different countries. These experiences would have helped me to develop both personally and professionally and gain a broad perspective on the global technical field."

What is your favorite way to start your day?

"I like to start my day with a cup of strong coffee and, if possible, a 15-minute walk to start the day with energy and a clear head. These moments of calm and reflection in the morning are essential for me. Sporting activities such as cycling and skiing are also part of my routine to stay physically and mentally fit. I also take full advantage of the high quality of life in Switzerland. Even when the weather is challenging in winter, I look for ways to stay active. This conscious choice for exercise and balance forms the basis for being productive and creating a balance between professional demands and personal well-being."

What does success mean to you personally?

"For me personally, success means seeing the direct effect of my actions, preferably in collaboration with others. I live by the motto that 1+1+1 makes more than 3. For me, it's not just about achieving goals, but also about creating added value through joint efforts that would not be possible alone. For me, this synergetic effect created through collaboration is the quintessence of success."

What would you work for free for a week?

"If I had such an opportunity, I would dedicate this time to a good cause where I could use my skills and knowledge effectively to achieve a high impact, preferably as part of an interdisciplinary team. The specific location or culture is secondary; what matters is the impact achieved. While some people have a clear idea of their commitment, I am open and focus on where my contribution can make the biggest difference. It's not about self-actualization, but about the positive impact of our work, regardless of whether you are in the spotlight or not."

What was the best professional advice you ever received?

"The best professional advice I ever received was: "Follow your heart in your professional career, just as you would in your personal life." This advice, given by my parents, has inspired me to pursue paths that are beneficial to both my career and my personal well-being. It taught me that success is not defined by meeting environmental expectations or getting ahead and making a lot of money quickly, but by being passionate about what you do. By following your heart, you find work that is not only financially fulfilling, but also emotionally fulfilling."

We would like to thank Mr. Foufopoulos for his contribution to this article.

This interview was conducted by telephone.