Silvia Battocchio, Global Brand Identity Vice President, LIXIL

To help current students and recent graduates navigate the world of work, several USI Alumni shared their career paths and career story. Here the story of Silvia Battocchio, Global Brand Identity Vice President at LIXIL in Zurich (CH). USI Degree: Master in Corporate Communication, 2007.

How did you start your career?

I started with an internship at Procter & Gamble in Geneva. This was enabled by the Career service of USI, that back then was enabling the participation in a P&G Women’s Career Seminar. Through that participation, I got the possibility to access an amazing internship, that paved the way for my 10 years in Procter & Gamble.

Why did you choose a career at LIXIL?

After a long experience in Beauty and Luxury, I wanted to prove myself in a different industry. LIXIL has a fantastic portfolio of brands operating in the water technology segment, like GROHE, enabling me to do so, and also to work within both B2B and B2C. This choice enabled me to step outside my comfort zone and go back to a steeper learning curve. Additionally, LIXIL has a fantastic corporate culture, which I deeply value at this stage in my career.

What is your current role/duties?

I am in charge of the definition and governance of the Brand Identity for a portfolio of international and Japanese Brands. In a nutshell, we define the foundations of the brands and lead some international Brand projects, like the participation in Milan Design Week, which are particularly critical for a company that does not have an international HQ, but operates with regional marketing teams.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at LIXIL?

Understanding and respect of the company values, experience across cultures and organizational set-ups, given the significant difference I see in each of the regions I am working with.

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

The international environment, close connection to the real professional world and the small classes with lots of case studies rather than theoretical books only.

What competences and skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

Mental elasticity is a great soft skill that I acquired, as well as strategic thinking and external focus.

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

Focus on skills that you can bring to a specific role, both personal and academic, and try to build a consistent and specialized path that helps you to stand apart in a very competitive job market.