Nils-Eric Wijkstroem (MBA 2010): Industry 4.0 Empowered in Switzerland

Stories Nils-Eric Wijkstroem (MBA 2010): Industry 4.0 Empowered in Switzerland

Name	Nils-Eric Wijkstroem
Study Programme	MBA 2010
Current Location	Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Current Job	Production System Manager Europe, Henkel

Q1. Could you briefly describe your current job scope or responsibilities?

Overseeing the global OPEX (Operational Expenditure) of my company, I drive lean management and performance excellence by improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Q2. 3 words to describe your life in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

Glocal, enjoyable and full of wonders.

I travel quite a lot internationally but when I am around I immerse myself into the local culture. Schaffhausen is a small, charming city located right across Zurich, the country’s financial capital, and is blessed with all sorts of natural wonders. We have the Rhine Falls, one of Switzerland’s most famous and magnificent attractions, and I like taking photography, biking, swimming and having BBQ with friends to enjoy life here.

Q3. Which industry do you see strong business potential in your country and any reason?

Industry 4.0 and AI.

Switzerland has a great StartUp scene. Besides having some of the world’s most famous universities like the ETH to sustain an international talent pool, it also offers attractive packages and political stability which qualified expats are looking for. It is already home to giant and pioneering players in the field of Industry 4.0 such as ABB, and will surely see strong growth in technology-related businesses in the near future.

Q4. What is the one thing you miss the most during your study in CUHK Business School, and that you look forward to doing it again?

The MBA class was highly international and I enjoyed studying with talented people from all over the world. I look forward to travelling more and meeting up with old and new friends!

First published in the CUHK Business School Alumni Website on 4 August 2022, this article was republished with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office.