My Role
Hello! My name is Jonathan. I finished the Vestas Graduate Programme in September 2008. I am currently working out of our corporate headquarters as Project Manager in Business Analysis and Performance Management in Group Finance & Operations. This is a small team responsible for carrying out global and cross-functional projects and analyses on behalf of executive management.
My Career Path
I studied Finance & Strategic Management at Copenhagen Business School, and I also have a Master’s in International Management from the Community of European Management Schools (CEMS).
My first rotation in the Graduate Programme was in Group Finance and Operations in Randers, Denmark, where I analysed Vestas’ current pricing practices before being part of a team that designed a new pricing strategy for the whole Vestas Group, and drafted a plan for its global roll-out and implementation. For my second rotation I was based in our Portland office, working as a Business Controller for Vestas Americas. It was a great job, and probably one of the most versatile in the company. My role was to manage and control risks, and to drive improvement initiatives throughout the business unit. My last rotation was in the Business Development department of our Technology R&D Business Unit in Singapore. Here I worked on a variety of exciting strategic projects, including commercial feasibility studies of new products and technologies. I also participated in a number of M&A-related work streams.
My Network
The Graduate Programme is an excellent way to develop an international and cross-functional network both within and outside Vestas. Through travels and internal exposure on the one hand, and through three different roles and responsibilities on the other hand. When I was working in Group Finance I had the pleasure of presenting for the Vestas Government twice, and in my other rotations I have had the opportunity to interact with e.g. our service technicians as well as our board of directors on a regular basis.
My Vestas
When I joined the company, I never dreamed that I would have the degree of responsibility and ability to influence the bottom-line to the extent that I have. It has surpassed my wildest expectations. But I am probably more amazed by the unique culture at Vestas – I have been met by an impressive ‘can-do’ attitude wherever I have gone, and although the working environment is very result-oriented and expectations to graduates and other colleagues are high, the tone is informal and honest, and everybody seems to reflect open and truly caring values.
My Life
I am one of those persons who believe that travelling and living abroad is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. So far I have lived in seven countries, and I’m sure this number will keep rising. In my spare time, I’m an enthusiastic photographer, and a huge adrenaline junkie as well as an outdoors enthusiast – in particular I love skiing and mountain biking. Whenever I can, I try to head somewhere I can get the adrenaline flowing.
