Dr. Thorsten Reese

“At Continental, a dedicated team comes up with innovations and feels committed to the interests of all stakeholders”

How long have you been employed at Continental?
I started with the company in October, 1978.

In which functions have you acted for Continental until now?
In 1978, I started in R&D in Tires and one of the things I developed as part of my work there over almost a decade was a new tire system. In 1987, I became head of R&D Tires in Hanover and a few years later I assumed global responsibility for R&D Commercial Vehicles. After moving to the Marketing & Sales department where, as head of the commercial vehicles unit, I had the additional responsibility for three business units, I went abroad for three years in 1993 as CEO for Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA). In 2002, I assumed my present position as head of Quality and Environment, Corporation.

What is a typical work day like for you?Is there such a thing?
No one day is like another. There are only processes that are controlled by deadlines. So far, I have been fortunate in not encountering routine or even boredom. 

What does teamwork mean to you?
Teamwork is important–but it has to be understood correctly. It's not a matter of passing on work that comes in, but of putting one's individual talents at the disposal of the team.
Besides, not everything can be decided in the team. Clear statements from superiors are very important in my opinion.

How important do you consider your time living abroad to be?
I consider time living abroad to be extremely important and I am grateful that I was able to spend several years abroad through my work at Continental.  In retrospect, however, I would undertake this step much earlier. It is much easier for the family in particular to handle the adjustment at the beginning of one's career.

Briefly describe your management style, if you would.
I don't follow a particularly authoritarian management style, I try rather to allow my staff as much freedom as possible. That said, checking results is one of the jobs of a manager. Generally speaking, it is important to be an example to others of what you require of them.

You are on the Supervisory Board at Continental. What exactly is your job there?
I am on the Supervisory Board of Continental AG as the representative of the executive staff. In addition, I am a member of the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board.
In turbulent times–like today's–the amount of work is considerable. In the past year, there were 17 Supervisory Board meetings and preliminary discussions–normally, it is less than half of that. 

What skills do degree holders need to have in order for you to hire them?
Team ability is a central factor here. In addition, it is important for young people to have the drive to advance their career actively. Potential employees should also possess a certain degree of curiosity.

Why should degree holders decide in favor of Continental?
Continental is a company with flat structures and hierarchies. Beyond that, we have a broad product portfolio, which offers numerous opportunities for professional self-realization, especially for engineers. Generally speaking, one can say: Anyone who is willing to perform has very good opportunities for advancement with us.

How do you rate the career opportunities at Continental?
We offer outstanding opportunities for development to engineers in particular. Economists and graduates from other fields of study can also build a career with us. However, it is important that new arrivals start in the company with realistic expectations. It can definitely take some time until the next career step can be taken.

How do you strike a balance between work, free time and family?
If you decide to take a time-intensive job, naturally there is less time left over for the family. But if your partner is pulling in the same direction, the two can be reconciled.

How do you spend your free time?
I love working on my vintage cars.