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Willi Nef
Executive Vice President & Head of Sales at Mikron SA Agno
Professional Background
Willi Nef is a highly accomplished executive with extensive expertise in international sales and marketing, particularly within the manufacturing sector. As of June 2013, he has been serving as the Executive Vice President and head of Sales at Mikron SA, located in Agno, Switzerland. In this senior role, Willi is responsible for overseeing sales strategies and expanding the company's market presence on a global scale. His career is distinguished by a significant track record of leadership and success in various sales and management roles across multiple countries and companies.
Prior to joining Mikron SA, Willi Nef held several key positions in Tornos SA, a prominent Swiss manufacturer of precision machines. From 2008 to 2013, he was the Head of Worldwide Sales and Marketing, where he successfully contributed to increasing the company's international footprint. Before that, from 2003 to 2007, he served as the Business Unit Manager for the Multispindle division, where he mediated operations and enhanced product offerings to align with market demands.
Before his tenure at Tornos, Willi Nef demonstrated his leadership capabilities as the Managing Director of Lascor, a Swatch Group company located in Sesto Calende, Italy, during 2002. His career in the sales domain took a significant turn when he worked with Bodine Europe SA as the Director of Automatic Assembly Systems in 2001, further establishing his prominence in the field.
His journey began at Mikron SA, where he held various positions including Sales Manager at both Mikron SA Agno and Mikron Monroe in the United States, as well as a pivotal role as Director of Mikron India from 1997 to 1998. These foundational experiences paved the way for his eventual rise to executive management roles.
Education and Achievements
Willi Nef's impressive educational background plays a significant role in his successful career. He pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Administration at the Maastricht School of Management, where he gained profound insights into international business strategies and management practices. Alongside his doctoral studies, Willi also earned a Master’s Degree in the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, which aligns with his deep analysis of market trends and technological advancements in the engineering sector.
Additionally, Willi holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the National University of Singapore, which provided him with a strong foundation in strategic business management and marketing principles. Moreover, he received an Engineer’s Degree from HSR Hochschule für Technik Rapperswil, where he honed his technical expertise in engineering.
His educational credentials and multifaceted skills have empowered him to lead effectively in international markets, driving growth and innovation within the companies he has worked for. Willi's academic pursuits have also equipped him with a unique perspective on the relationship between technology and business, making him a well-rounded leader in the manufacturing industry.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Willi Nef has been recognized for his contributions to the field of international sales and marketing. His tenure at Mikron SA is marked by a commitment to excellence in sales strategies and customer relationship management, helping the company secure a strong position in the competitive marketplace. His ability to foster partnerships and enhance customer engagement has led to significant revenue growth and market expansion.
Moreover, during his time at Tornos, Willi's leadership in sales and marketing operations played a crucial role in revitalizing the company's brand and product lines, making them more aligned with customer needs. His effective management of cross-border teams contributed to fostering a culture of collaboration and performance excellence.
Willi's profound understanding of international markets, coupled with his capability to navigate complex business environments, showcases his adeptness as a leader and strategist within the manufacturing sector. His extensive background positions him as a sought-after expert in international management, particularly in the fields of sales and business development.
Overall, Willi Nef's dynamic career reflects his unwavering dedication to business excellence and his ability to drive success through innovative sales and marketing strategies. As he continues his journey at Mikron SA, his wealth of experience and solid educational foundation promise ongoing contributions to the fields of international management and manufacturing.
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