Introducing our Employee of the Month from TMD Friction Holdings GmbH: Carolin!

We recently had the opportunity to have a Q&A session with Carolin Leo , the Global Brand Marketing Manager for PAGID Racing at TMD Friction Holdings GmbH. Carolin offers an in-depth look at her journey, her experiences in the Automotive Aftermarket industry, and provides valuable insights into her role and company.

ABOUT YOU

• Could you tell us a bit about your background? (Place of birth, age, education…)

Born and raised in a small town close to the Dutch boarder, I decided to study International Marketing in the Netherlands after receiving my high school degree in Germany. The study program is designed to cover both theoretical and practical elements to ensure students can apply their knowledge during internships, while still being enrolled.

Studying in Venlo for four years not only taught me intercultural appreciation, but also gave me a deep understanding of strategic and operational brand building. In combination with my interest for the FMCG branch and TV commercials, I decided to kick off my career at GREY in Düsseldorf followed by two years at Saatchi & Saatchi, leading various TV campaigns as Senior Account Manager for Febreze, Pantene, iglo, Gillette, Venus, Garnier and OREO worldwide. After four exciting years, I took the chance to apply for something completely different and am more than proud to be responsible for PAGID Racing as a Global Brand Marketing Manager.

ABOUT THE AFTERMARKET

• How would you describe the Aftermarket to someone who has never heard of this industry?

The Aftermarket is a global, fast-paced secondary industry. It often appears like a hidden world to people who haven’t looked behind the curtain. It includes countless suppliers – more than you can imagine – for everything related to either investment or slow-moving consumer goods.

ABOUT YOU & THE AFTERMARKET

• How did you become aware of, and why did you choose the Aftermarket to work in?

My sister made me aware of the Aftermarket and this job as she has worked in this field for more than 10 years now. And she was totally right – once you’ve seen this branch from an inside perspective, you’re unlikely to leave again J.

ABOUT YOUR COMPANY

• Which company are you working with & which type of job?

I have been working for TMD Friction Holding GmbH for two and a half years now as Global Brand Marketing Manager for the motorsport brand PAGID Racing. TMD Friction is the world’s leading manufacturer of brake products such as brake pads and discs.

ABOUT YOUR JOB

• What’s your job title?

Global Brand Marketing Manager PAGID Racing

• How would you describe your job?

It’s a great combination of strategic and operational work fields. My theoretical and creative interests come together and being in touch with so many race teams and organizations allow me to travel different countries, cultures, and racetracks.

• What do you fancy most in your job?

The multifaceted approach where I learn something new each day.

ABOUT JOINING THE AFTERMARKET

• Why should somebody join this industry in your opinion?

Brake products might not appear as sexy as a commercial for hair care; however, the industry is multifaceted, and you will meet many cultures, people, and products in one place.

ABOUT TMD FRICTION

TMD Friction is a leading global supplier of high-quality brake friction solutions to the automotive and brake industries. The company develops and manufactures disc brake pads and drum brake linings for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. TMD Friction supplies vehicle manufacturers with premium products for original equipment, as well as being a driving force in the international aftermarket with the brands Textar, Mintex, Don, Pagid, Cobreq, Nisshinbo and Bendix. The product portfolio also includes brake friction products for motor racing under the Pagid Racing and Mintex Racing brands and for industry applications under the Cosid brand. TMD Friction Group employs more than 4,200 people worldwide with locations across Europe, USA, Brazil, Mexico, China and Japan.