Erza Mehmeti: How long have you been with KYBURZ?

Eric Nève: I've been with KYBURZ since June 2020, so it's been almost two and a half years.

Erza: How did you hear about us?

Eric: My wife Laurence celebrated her five-year anniversary at KYBURZ this year, and it was through her that I became aware of the company.

Erza: What did you do before KYBURZ?

Eric: I was involved in motorsport for 15 years. I've actually spent my whole career in the automobile industry and have always cared about individual mobility. KYBURZ vehicles are a bit slower in comparison, but they make a lot more sense.

Erza: What are your activities?

Eric: After about two years in the service department, where I took care of the international customers and the training of the service partners, I switched to purchasing about half a year ago. Here I deal with strategic purchasing, where I can use my international network, my language skills and my ability to act every day. 

Erza: What are your strengths?

Eric: I am a calm person who listens well and can quickly get the whole picture of a situation. The four languages I speak help me to understand cultural differences.

Erza: What motivates you?

Eric: I love getting up every morning and I never really have to ask myself what motivates me. I have a great work ethic.

Erza: What is your typical daily routine?

Eric: I'm in the office at just before eight, go through the emails, which I then prioritise and work on throughout the day. It's my turn to find an alternative supplier for all the main components we need, working through a list according to importance and urgency.

At the same time, I am also involved in the weekly comparison with the colleagues from French-speaking Switzerland. On the one hand, I make sure that the French-speaking colleagues are informed about what's going on at KYBURZ, and on the other hand I try to make sure that they know how and what is going on in French-speaking part of Switzerland.

Erza: What do you like? What do you like less?

Eric: What I really like is the good working atmosphere and the helpfulness between colleagues.

But at the same time, I would be happier if the brand was better known. It's hard for me to understand why our great products are still so little known. But I know that we are working on it every day.

Erza: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Eric: "My life full of cars" is the title of the book by ex-Formula 1 driver and journalist Paul Frère and my life is also full of cars. I still follow the biggest motorsport events out of passion. I also work on various classic cars myself and make sure our fleet stays operational, which is not always self-speaking! Otherwise, I like to spend time with my family.

Erza: What are your plans for the future?

Eric: Well, my 60th birthday is slowly approaching and I am thinking about how I want to fill my time meaningfully after my active life. My plan is to enter this new phase of my life with a concrete vision. The KYBURZ company made me aware of this topic during the first Circular Economy Seminar and a workshop. I think it is indeed important to have a plan for your retirement.