Mohsen Sohi's Reign at Freudenberg Weinheim
By Sebastian Schmid, Frankfurt
Opponents of Dogmatic Ideologies Strive for Change
If a CEO's age mirror their professional stress levels, then Mohsen Sohi, 66, has managed to sidestep the turbulence of the corporate world like a seasoned weather vane. As CEO of Freudenberg SE, Weinheim's most hospitable CEO position, he's been cruising the corporate seas for a whopping 13 years. His secret? Maybe it's his diet—no cookies or chocolates in sight, only a plate brimming with berries for guests.
Walking through the industrial complex transforms into an edifying journey through Germany's industrial heritage. A connected museum unveils Freudenberg SE's diverse range of goods spanning households, water treatment, and air filtration in gigantic wind turbines. Born from humble beginnings in calf leather production more than 175 years ago, the company continuously innovated, venturing into new markets and acquiring companies to expand its portfolio. Mohsen Sohi, an American-born Iranian, champions product development as the beating heart of every industrial corporation, focusing on consumer needs. The company's enduring success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to research and innovation. "We invest in technological platforms to excel in any market," he declares.
Best practices, no matter the source, should ignite every corporation's imagination, he says. Global corporations like Freudenberg SE have the advantage of drawing inspiration from diverse corporate cultures, from Germany to Japan, provided they're open to new ideas. However, he observes that the challenge lies in applying these principles daily. "Everyone, including myself, must live these principles in practice every day," he explains.
Claus Möhlenkamp, 58, will succeed Sohi at the helm of Freudenberg SE on July 1. Sohi, who has worked with Möhlenkamp for over a decade, aims to ensure a seamless transition, as his predecessor, Peter Bettermann, did for him.
A smooth handover is on the horizon. Not just because both men share a long history of collaboration, but because Sohi has vivid memories of his own transition under Bettermann's guidance. Now, he intends to return the favor.
Insights from Mohsen Sohi's Leadership
Mohsen Sohi's tenure as CEO has been marked by strategic vision, cultural innovation, and a dedication to global best practices.
- Global Best Practices: Sohi advocated for learning from a variety of global corporate cultures, emphasizing the importance of understanding that the best practice can come from anywhere, be it Germany, the USA, India, China, or Japan[3].
- Leadership and Cultural Development: Under Sohi's leadership, Freudenberg SE developed a corporate culture that encouraged adaptability and openness. He recognized the importance of translating principles into everyday actions throughout his tenure[3].
- Operational and Strategic Leadership: Sohi's strategic decisions and operational leadership have been instrumental in Freudenberg SE's success. His adaptable leadership style helped the company navigate a rapidly evolving global market[3].
- Transition and Legacy: In preparation for his retirement, Sohi ensured a smooth transition by handing over his responsibilities to his successor, Claus Möhlenkamp[3]. This act demonstrates Sohi's commitment to continuity and stability within the organization.
Mohsen Sohi recognizes the value of drawing inspiration from diverse corporate cultures, emphasizing that the best practices may come from any part of the world, such as Germany, the USA, India, China, or Japan. During his leadership, Freudenberg SE developed a corporate culture that encourages adaptability and openness, with an emphasis on translating principles into everyday actions. Sohi's operational and strategic leadership have played a crucial role in Freudenberg SE's success, guiding the company through a rapidly evolving global market. With his strategic vision, Mohsen Sohi has ensured a smooth transition by preparing his successor, Claus Möhlenkamp, for the leadership role in alignment with Sohi's commitment to continuity and stability within the organization.
