From day one, I was able to leverage my educational background and put my expertise to work.

Operations: a firm within a firm

After completing my PhD at the ETH Zürich, I decided to join McKinsey’s Operations’ Supply Chain service line. I was drawn to it because it combines the best of two worlds—the fast pace, steep learning curve, and opportunity to work on the critical, tangible topics found in operations.

What has always been special to me about McKinsey is how within the large network of consultants, the Operations Practice functions as a firm within the firm. You are always in close contact with the colleagues in your service line, regardless of location. I have access to people all over the world.

A supply chain with 800 million customers

One of the most fulfilling projects I’ve worked on is when I led a Supply Chain work stream where technical operations were integrated into one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies. The result—a supply chain with over sixty sites that delivered medicine to over 800 million customers worldwide and generated $50 billion USD in revenue. It was a remarkable experience to be, along with my team, problem-solving with the client’s top management on a daily basis. We defined the functions and processes that would influence this tremendous supply chain and identified over $150 million in USD savings through operations improvements.

Assuming a role of leadership

Transitioning from an associate into the engagement manager role has been one of the most exciting experiences so far in my career at McKinsey. I feel like I am now truly in the driver seat of a project, defining and controlling every aspect of it. I find it especially rewarding to be able to serve as a coach to my clients and my team.

Education

ETH Zurich
PhD, Operations and Supply Chain Management

University of Karlsruhe
Masters, Industrial Engineering and Management