A conversation with Michael Sluypers

February 2022: The Managing Director of emineo International talks about opportunities in a highly competitive market

How long have you been with emineo?
I had my first point of contact with emineo back in 2002 when I joined asem group. I initially worked for the group as a consultant, primarly in the role of a senior consultant later as a principal consultant. Next I was allowed to take over the deputy management of Western Switzerland. After a trip to Cimo SA (Joint Venture BASF and Syngenta) in Monthey, I returned as COO (Chief Operating Office) in 2012. Shortly after the merger between asem group and emineo I was able to take over the CEO position of French-speaking Switzerland and the top position at emineo international.

What do you like about your job?
I really enjoy the fact that we can move things together every day and help shape our own success. I also enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and different cultures. Working at emineo is extremely varied. We are always faced with new challenges – that is absolutely great!

What is your department doing?
We are developing emineo International step by step. Both me and my colleagues have various advisory mandates. These are very different – be it in the area of supply chain management (SCM), SAP S/4HANA projects/roll-out or project management support. Our expertise has a strong industry focus – namely in the field of public health (municipalities, cantons and universities), pharmaceuticals, life science or corporate headquarters.

What areas does your department cover?
We actually work on all areas of a company. This goes from sales & marketing, back office and business as well as SAP consulting to analytics, financial planning and technology consulting.

Can you name a current project as an example?
For Santen, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the field of ophthalmology based in Japan, we dealt with the global business transformation and the SAP S/4 implementation. Our role there was primarily in the area of business integration and regional roll-out management. We have also supported Indorsia in their transformation from a pure pharmaceutical product development company to a global player with full value chain and international commercial product distribution. Our field of activity was the expansion of the S/4 application environment in order to optimize operational business processes in all areas (finance, SCM, quality, etc.).

What are the greatest strengths of your department?
We have developed a deep understanding of our customers’ challenges. We stand for an economically and technically modern and effective SAP solution design. Added to this is our proven expertise in the public sector and in headquarters business – it does not matter what industry it is. Not to forget: Our team spirit is enormous!

What upcoming challenges do you see in your department?
To become even better in terms of quality without jeopardizing our actual strengths. It is still not always easy to find the right profiles for all our needs.

Our claim is “deeply digital_” – how digital are you personally?
My office fits in my briefcase. I’ve been completely paperless for several years now. I also do most of my shopping online. However, it is still important for me that I can sometimes switch back to brick-and-mortar retail for the right advice. I think it is about the right mix between online and offline, just like in everyday work.

What do you wish for the future?
Deserved team success with a lot of joy in what we do every day. And a high standard of quality. I also wish that we find the right mix of all the different forms of cooperation, with employees, customers and our partners. In my private life, I wish above all for health and happiness in my family circle.