I started at Oerlikon Surface Solutions AG in 2017, and assumed full P&L responsibility for a total
of 9 companies and 26 branches as “Country President Germany Poland Slovakia” in 2021. With
2,000 employees generating revenue of EUR 300 million, the company develops, produces and sells
surface technologies and additive manufacturing for the automotive, tool, aerospace and energy
sectors as a subsidiary of Oerlikon AG.
Whether at ABB/ALSTOM, MTU, MAN or Oerlikon: in all my professional stations, I have had to deal
with complex technical products involving the highest demands on materials and quality – especially
in the case of aircraft turbines. Production always had a project character, with small rather than
large series, and was often subject to the most demanding regulations. Another common factor has
been a consistently sizable service business with very international markets and customers.
“Low costs with maximum quality” – that has been my credo since my time at MTU (2001 – 2005),
when I was involved in the maintenance of aircraft turbines. As Head of Operations Support &
Repair, I mastered this approach and was able to develop a robust, strategic general management
mindset while gaining a reputation in the company as an optimizer who can develop and expand
organizations as well as restructure/transform them. My time with the MAN Group (2005 – 2017)
was also very formative for me, as I was able to take on generalist responsibility across diverse
locations – South Africa (about six years), Switzerland (four years) and China (two years).
In South Africa, I realized the turnaround, rebuilt Sales, established a local network and ultimately
supplied global locations from South Africa. My tasks at Oerlikon were also very commercially
strategic: consolidating products, developing the equipment business, transforming from a centralized
to a regional structure, implementing SAP and M&A activities.
Please check whether my profile matches one of your projects. My CV is enclosed and I am happy
to provide further information on request. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to
hearing from you.
Best regards,
Dr. Manfred G. Biedermann