Pulling the Right Levers to Achieve Strategic Goals
Martin Hirzel is CEO of Autoneum, a leading global automotive supplier. Hirzel credits the General Management Program (GMP) at Harvard Business School with providing exactly what he needed to become an effective CEO—the knowledge, skills, and contacts to confront complex business challenges with confidence.
What direction did your career take after GMP?
At the time I graduated from GMP in 2010, I had spent four years as Head of the SAMEA Business Group (South America, Middle East, and Africa) for Rieter. After GMP, I was given some additional responsibilities, and in 2011, I was offered the CEO post at Autoneum.
Which aspects of GMP were most valuable?
As a relatively young CEO, I often faced business challenges outside my personal areas of expertise. The case studies in GMP helped me practice devising effective solutions to complex business problems, even for industries and issues where I had very little background. That intensive learning helped me develop new skills—and greater confidence in my abilities.
In what ways did GMP prepare you to take on new responsibilities?
GMP gave me much greater insight into the responsibilities of a CEO. I came to understand how the different corporate functions operate, how to lead them effectively and efficiently, and which levers to pull in order to achieve strategic goals. The "five forces" model provided a clear picture of the CEO's strategic role. I also gained insight into people leadership and change management. All of this has helped me to become a more effective CEO.
How did the program contribute to your personal growth?
It's important not to underestimate the value of stepping back—breaking away from your routine at work and at home. I found living and learning on the HBS campus to be an incredibly enriching experience. As I solved business problems day after day, in addition to keeping up with an extremely demanding curriculum, I gained new confidence in myself, both personally and professionally.
Have you benefited from the GMP network?
The diversity of the GMP network is truly inspiring. One of the greatest benefits of the program has been the global connections I have been able to build. I've made important contacts in a variety of industries and have been able to obtain valuable feedback on professional issues as well. By keeping in contact with many of the people I met in GMP, I've formed deep friendships that I believe will last a lifetime.