What is your current role and where are you based?
I am in charge of Defence Digital and Cyber, and am leading Connected Intelligence Germany. On top of this, I am Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space, responsible for Sales and Operations. Although based in Germany, I work closely with our other sites in France and the UK. My role also involves working with our customers and keeping a strong focus on political stakeholders in German industry.
I enjoy having a trustful, open and reliable environment to work in. I value all aspects of inclusion and diversity, as well as loyalty, which all give me purpose. As we sometimes say, we are the Airbus family.
Can you tell us a bit about your role and how you got there? Was it always your plan to get where you are now?
Maybe I can best answer by saying I dreamt of contributing to our company's future based on my military and industrial expertise, and on my experience in leading teams and getting challenged with complex situations.
My career moves at Airbus have been mostly thanks to the complete trust shown by different managers, together with a desire to share my dreams - which were listened to and then supported. So I’ve had the pleasure of leading Intelligence for a year, with the trust of my hierarchy and the belief that I can contribute to the team’s performance for the sake and prosperity of the company.
I love the new challenges every day, getting to know many interesting people and working together with a trustful team - and developing technology to deliver the best to our customers, whilst contributing to financial success. This often means identifying the customer’s need, then seeking technology availability or developing it - and delivering a satisfactory solution.
What inspired you to be a part of the aerospace sector in the first place and what was the main driver that brought you to Airbus?
I was an Air Defence General Staff officer in my first career, always focused on a combination of high tech and leadership. Then in my previous company I focused on signal processing, situational awareness, command and control, and platform management with Profit & Loss responsibility, sales and strategy. I developed an appetite to merge all these experiences when Airbus offered me a job as Head of Defence Solutions, from where I gradually developed up to my current role.
Tell us about your most memorable experience from your career at Airbus. What made it so special and unforgettable?
Undoubtedly when I was offered my current roles with all the trust given with them. I could hardly believe it was true… a real emotional moment!
What is the most important advice you have been given, and is there any important advice you would like to pass on?
Do it and believe in yourself, be transparent on your strengths and weaknesses and trust your team. And in the case of difficult situations, prioritise… or even better, be selective and pick your battles.
What are, for you, the greatest benefits of working at Airbus?
The mix of future driving technologies to make the world a safer and better place, the passion of people which creates an enjoyable place and lastly, all the care Airbus gives us such as personal development, training, pensions, insurance, memberships…
Do you have any hobbies? How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I like to barbecue, and go hiking in the mountains. But also - and maybe not so surprising - I love all kinds of high-tech experiences.
Keep smiling: it helps you and your team to manage even the worst challenges.
Harald's Career Path at Airbus
Head of Defence Solutions – Intelligence, Connected Intelligence Programme Executive
Airbus in Germany
Head of Intelligence - Connected Intelligence, SVP
Airbus in Germany
Current - Head of Defence Digital, Head of Cyber and Managing Director
Airbus in Germany
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