Managers under the spotlight - Claudiu Presecan, Polycontact Hermannstadt

Can you tell us the most important reasons why Polycontact chose Romania for its subsidiary in Sibiu county, compared to other top cities worldwide?

Sibiu is one of the most important cities in Romania, where foreign investors are motivated by both strong historical ties and a favorable investment environment to open and develop new businesses.

Additionally, Sibiu has an international airport; the geographical position of Sibiu as a road hub in the center of the country is favorable. There are universities with well-trained technical students, German speakers in German communities, the Francophone Business Club that promotes the interests of French companies, to create synergies between different economic actors. Besides, people in Sibiu are reliable, hardworking, who understand the benefits of developing the city through investors and intercultural exchanges.

What does a typical business day look like for the General Manager of Polycontact Hermannstadt?

Roughly, all days are different but the same. Routine in organizations supports discipline and stability, so the morning operational meeting sets the tone for the workday and encourages prompt actions and easy solutions.

The automotive industry is dynamic and, as a GM who maintains the dynamics, I support and inspire colleagues daily through free discussions and clear decisions, in their challenges. The workday brings added value when we have the feedback of the production that it has reached the target and brings us together for interventions when necessary. As in life and in the family, we have good days but also constructive days, days when my presence can bring added value through guidance and strategy.

How does your company align its business strategy with sustainable growth and innovation?

For an organic development of the company in which we find support for talents, excellence and innovation, even more in this competitive world of business, the key lies in creating an organizational culture based on people, on understanding their needs and building a safe environment, of mutual trust, which offers strategy but also openness to new ideas.

How do you inspire and motivate your team to achieve excellence in their work?

I am an authentic person, who trusts people and supports learning by example.

I make decisions based on analysis and figures, I believe in the capacity of my people, and I offer them support where I feel they need it. Coaching and mentoring are part of this story, trust is mutual and communication of the same type - active, is the basis for knowing and identifying directions and values.

Outside of work, what are your passions or hobbies, and how do they influence your personal life?

Since my childhood I have been practicing sports, I am passionate about football, tennis and occasionally cycling.

I am a sporty person and I believe that sports discipline and balance educate us towards a healthy life, body and mind, teach us about competition, team spirit and understanding of team members.

Chess and fishing are two other main pawns in my life that bring me satisfaction and relax my mind.

I believe that these activities add value to my lifestyle, help me stay balanced, release my negative emotions and be able to continue the story harmoniously.

What was the last book you read?

Being Human – how our biology shaped world history, by Lewis Dartnell.

If you could share one piece of advice with other members of the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Romania, what would it be?

Especially now, being on the verge of Christmas holidays, I would advise everyone to take a moment of introspection and reflect positively on our lives and careers. Since we reached this level, being members of such a beautiful, competent and future-orientated community as the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Romania is, it means that we did it until now, we did it well. It can always get better, but being grateful and thankful ob our past means a peaceful and a rewarding present. Happy New Year everybody!