Anita Treiber

Introduction

I am a Hungarian business and marketing executive based in Switzerland, with over 30 years’ international experience in the FMCG, healthcare and medical technology sectors. I was Global Chief Marketing Officer at Medela, and prior to that I led regional and global teams at Medtronic and Procter & Gamble. I currently work as a strategic consultant for the medical technology company Edwards Lifesciences, whilst also helping an AI-based start-up to enter the market. I have updated my AI knowledge through the London Business School’s AI-focused digital marketing programme, where I received an award for my outstanding work. I completed an Executive MBA at IMD in Switzerland, graduating with distinction. I volunteer for several organisations and am a co-founder of the Procter & Gamble Alumni Central Switzerland Chapter.

Why would you like to participate in the HBLF International X Mentor Program?

I would like to mentor because, in my work, it has always been personal, long-term development that has yielded the greatest results – when someone has dared to take a bigger step by building on their own strengths. It is important to me that more women reach senior management roles, and that they do not have to find their own way there alone. I see mentoring as a two-way process; I learn from it too, and the HBLF’s values – equal opportunities and responsible leadership – align with the reasons why I enjoy my work.

Have you ever had a mentor, or have you ever mentored someone? What did that mean to you?

Yes, both. As a manager, I spent years developing colleagues and teams across several countries. What I learnt from this is that there is no single formula; development means something different to everyone, and it was my job to help them discover that together. It gives me great pleasure that many people still call me five or ten years later to ask for my opinion before making a decision. These relationships are long-lasting, and this is one of the most valuable outcomes of my work.
I’ve had mentors myself. From them, I learnt just what a difference honest, external feedback can make.