Innovation and talent development in emerging markets

Innovation is crucial for the basis of future business success, and Henkel focuses on sustainability in the innovation process to create products with better performance at a reduced footprint. “As a global company, we leverage our global expertise and partner with customers and suppliers to set new benchmarks in innovation and sustainability in Indonesia,” said Allan. In Indonesia, the innovation projects with customers and value-chain partners come from various industries such as automotive, shoe and general industries. For the shoe industry, Henkel Indonesia has created a total paradigm shift in shoe production by introducing automation, process re-engineering and innovative adhesive products.

Developing emerging market talents into strong global leaders is also a priority for Henkel, in line with the strategic priority, “Inspire”, which describes the company’s focus to establish strong leadership and a highly committed global team. Henkel places emphasis on three areas: Leadership, Talents & Performance and Diversity.

In the last three years, Henkel Indonesia has expanded its management team by 85 percent, developing leaders through opportunities in different businesses, international experience and participation in challenging projects. A variety of mentoring and leadership development programs are available, to help prepare high potential employees for bigger roles and senior positions. Meanwhile, the management trainee program is targeted at grooming new graduates into future leaders for the company.

Henkel strongly believes that diversity is the key to its team success. Teams of different nationalities, gender and experience, contribute substantially to a better understanding of different markets. There are five nationalities working in Henkel Indonesia and the percentage of women in managerial positions has increased by 14 percentage points in the last three years.