Carlos Messina
Industrial director in Sao Paulo for Saint-Gobain Vidros Embalagens (Packaging Sector) - Brasil
Recruited for his potential immediately after completing his studies, Carlos Messina perfected his skills via in-house training with Saint-Gobain. 20 years later, he is Brasil's first non-expatriate industrial director.
Trained in the company
Now 47 years old, Carlos Messina has spent his entire career with Saint-Gobain. In fact, he actually completed his academic training within the group from the age of 25. "I had only just received my engineering diploma when Saint-Gobain selected me to be trained as a packaging production manager," he tells us in excellent French. A training which, after several years of practical experience, he continued in France. "In 1989, I followed a 6 month intensive course at Chalon sur Saône." An experience which, he freely admits, "was decisive for my entire career. I still refer back to it today when taking decisions."
Back in Brasil, he was given the opportunity of applying what he had learnt when he was offered the position of quality manager for 3 factories. There then followed a position as factory manager, then another at a larger plant. "We were the second factory in Brasil to obtain ISO 9001 certification," he recalls with satisfaction.
No barriers
With these results and achievements behind him, and this time accompanied by his family, he returned to France, again to Chalon sur Saône. As assistant technical director, he carried out a research mission into food safety throughout all the European factories. "Despite the fact that it wasn't my field at all," he says, still surprised at the appointment. "But I knew about glass packaging and how to coordinate a team. When I look back on it now, I think the management must have already been preparing me for the position I hold today."
For when he returned to Brasil two years later, it was to take up a position with a very high level of responsibility. As industrial director, he is in charge of 7 factories in 3 different countries. "I was the first non-expatriates industrial director, which I think is an advantage as I didn't have to go through a whole period of adaptation." Plus the fact that Carlos Messina's career path is a massive encouragement for all local personnel. "It proves that there are opportunities to reach the very top, without any barriers," he says, with satisfaction.
Making his projects known
Attracted by the idea of working as an expatriate at an early stage, and by the industrial sector, Carlos Messina always made this known to his superiors. "You should never hesitate about expressing your preferences and objectives," he insists, "particularly since relationships with the Human Resources Department and Senior Management is very open." He concludes by saying, "And today, if I were offered a new mission which gave me the opportunity of learning even more, including going abroad, I would be fully prepared for the new challenge!"
