BENEDIKT SIEGWART

Strategic thinker

After completing his undergraduate studies in business administration in the German city of Konstanz, Benedikt began looking for a temporary position in early 2014. His aim was to make the best use of the six months he had before starting his Master’s degree programme in Regensburg. He found what he was looking for at MEIKO, little guessing that this marked the start of a dynamic career trajectory that would encompass numerous different roles. Today, he is the Head of Group Controlling. Read his full story in the interview below.

PRIORITISATION

That's what 34-year-old Benedikt names as the key skill that enabled him to successfully take the helm of MEIKO’s Group Controlling department in September 2023. At that time, he was still performing his previous duties as Advisor to the Executive Board alongside his new responsibilities. "It was a really challenging time, but by ensuring clear communication and cooperation with my team and my superiors, we ultimately managed to achieve the goals we had set," he recalls. Looking back, he says the experience not only helped him grow professionally but also showed him the importance of being flexible and adaptable.

WHAT LED YOU TO JOIN MEIKO?

Benedikt: "It was really just by chance. Before starting my Master's degree, I wanted to get six months of practical experience somewhere. My goal was to find a position where I could contribute to an ambitious project as a fully fledged member of the team – I didn't "just" want to be an intern! MEIKO was looking for people to support a transformation project. There was such a great atmosphere there, I was immediately hooked. I liked it so much that I stayed on in the division as a working student during my Master’s programme. My studies required me to temporarily move to Regensburg, but MEIKO gave me remote access so that I could continue working a few hours per week despite the distance. That was back in 2014, so I might have been one of the very first students to have home office capabilities."

WHAT WAS YOUR ROLE AFTER COMPLETING YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE?

Benedikt: "After graduating, I started out as a Junior Controller and subsequently worked as a Subsidiary Controller in the finance department for about six years. In this role, I was responsible for the strategic and operational management of our subsidiaries – primarily in Europe and Asia. Additionally, I led a number of projects, such as establishing our subsidiary in Singapore. Working with diverse cultures in an international environment is something I still enjoy immensely. Sometimes you need something to break the ice – for instance, with a colleague from Japan, we watched a YouTube video together about the cultural differences between our countries. We laughed and chatted about what was accurate and what wasn’t, like the stereotype that Germans wear socks with sandals!"

100&NBSP;PERCENT COMMITTED TO MEIKO

I've always enjoyed driving projects and processes forward. MEIKO provides an incredible amount of room for growth and creative freedom, and I've felt completely at home here since day one.

IN EARLY 2022, YOU BECAME ADVISOR TO THE CEO, WHICH SOUNDS LIKE AN EXCITING ROLE. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?

Benedikt: "After six years in finance, I was ready to step out of my comfort zone. I had several constructive conversations with our CEO, Dr Thomas Peukert, which gave me a clear understanding of his expectations for this newly created role. Even more importantly, we clicked right from the start – you need a good personal connection for such close and trusting collaboration."

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE ROLE OF AN EXECUTIVE ADVISOR?

Benedikt: "You get a great overview of the entire company, it's almost like being a kind of central hub. The job involves preparing all sorts of management meetings and strategic processes, which gives you a deeper understanding of the bigger picture. MEIKO is currently laying the groundwork for further growth. Being at the heart of efforts to shape its strategic direction and launch the corresponding projects is both tremendously exciting and a responsibility that I take very seriously. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve learned a huge amount and steadily expanded my network. I’m very grateful to have had such valuable experiences."

SINCE SEPTEMBER 2023, YOU’VE BEEN WORKING IN A DUAL ROLE. WHAT DOES THAT INVOLVE?

Benedikt: "In autumn 2023, I was given the opportunity to take on the Team Lead role in Group Controlling – a return to my roots. My dual role enabled me to leverage certain synergies, since much of the data prepared by Controlling is traditionally used by the Executive Board. Additionally, there's a fantastic team I can rely on in the finance department which has always supported me. Over the long term, however, both positions will require more capacity to develop further. I will therefore be handing over the position of Advisor to the Executive Board to a successor after nearly three years in this dual role."

THINKING BACK ON ALL YOUR ROLES, WHAT'S THE MOST EXCITING PROJECT YOU'VE WORKED ON?

Benedikt: "Aside from the projects I’ve already mentioned, one stands out in particular: As part of my Master’s thesis, I investigated whether we should introduce a planning tool for the finance department within the MEIKO Group. This research ultimately led to me overseeing the implementation of a software-based solution across multiple market organisations. The project had to be completed on time for planning purposes, and all the managing directors of our market organisations were eager to see it up and running, so things got quite intense towards the end! But fortunately everything worked out well – both in terms of the timing and the budget."

CLIMBING THE CAREER LADDER…

Since joining MEIKO in 2014, Benedikt has built an impressive career path: from working student and Master's thesis candidate to Junior Controller, Subsidiary Controller, Advisor to the Executive Board, and now Head of Group Controlling. We’re excited to see where his journey will lead next.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND FROM WORK?

Benedikt: "Family activities are the perfect way to recharge when I'm not at work. I particularly enjoy spending time with my daughter, whether that's cycling through nature or searching out the best playgrounds in our region. I also love kayaking; it's such a great way to disconnect from the digital world."

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO POTENTIAL APPLICANTS?

Benedikt: "Always be open to new challenges and responsibilities, and look at change as an opportunity. That approach has worked really well for me, helping me to expand my knowledge and take on new perspectives. And if you also enjoy teamwork, you'll fit right in here!"

CAREER TO DATE

2010-2014

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (generalist approach) at HTWG Konstanz – University of Applied Sciences

2014-2016

Master’s degree in Business Administration at OTH Regensburg University of Applied Sciences, specialising in Finance and Controlling

2016-2022

Various roles in subsidiary controlling

Since 2022

Advisor to the Executive Board

Since 2023

Team Lead, Group Controlling

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