Full Name: Markus Thill
Position: President responsible for the Africa region at Bosch
Main Activity of the Company: The Bosch group is a global supplier of technology and services; its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology
Date and Place of Birth: December 7, 1968, Bendorf/Rhein, Germany
Education: University degrees in mathematics and physics, and a doctorate (summa cum laude) in physics, from the University of Paris
First Job: Researcher in statistical physics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Career History Prior to Current Position: Since mid-2014, I have been responsible for Bosch’s business in Africa. Prior to cofounding Bosch’s global venture arm as MD in 2007, I worked as VP of Bosch’s global corporate strategy department. Before joining Bosch, I was a senior manager with leading strategy consulting firms
Size of First Pay Packet: A typical university research salary
First Job with Present Group: VP: corporate strategy
Value of Assets under Your Control: Bosch recorded more than €350-million in sales in Africa in 2014
Number of People under Your Leadership: About 760
Management Style: I am passionate about people development, setting clear goals and intense, hands-on follow-through
Personal Best Achievement: Receiving the top marks for my doctorate in physics at one of the best universities in the world
Professional Best Achievement: Being entrusted with one of the most exciting jobs in the Bosch group – being responsible for all Bosch’s business on the African continent
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My parents and my wife
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Several people, including our group’s previous CEO, Franz Fehrenbach, and the current CEO, Volkmar Denner, as well as the former head of Bosch corporate strategy, Micha Kirchhoff
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Many – from musicians like Daniel Barenboim to scientists like Richard Feynman
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: With regard to Africa, I would very much like to talk to Zimbabwean Strive Masiyiwa about his past endeavours and vision for Africa going forward
Philosophy of Life: Live and let live responsibly
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Every moment in life provides an opportunity
Biggest Ever Disappointment: None
Hope for the Future: That there is global peace and prosperity
Favourite Reading: A wide range, especially Tom Clancy, historic novels, and biographies
Favourite TV Programme: Documentaries and intelligent comedies, such as The Big Bang Theory
Favourite Food/Drink: Mediterranean, French and Spanish. I enjoy being challenged foodwise so I am trying to experience different African cuisines when I can
Favourite Music: Classical and folk music
Favourite Sport: Water sports, cycling and skiing
Favourite Website: None
Hobbies: Performing in concerts, sports, hiking in remote locations, skiing, swimming, diving and sailing; reading, opera, concerts, theatre, politics, travelling, research in mathematics, physics and economy, as well as participation in multifaith gatherings
Car: Nissan Patrol
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: None
Favourite Other South African Company: None
Favourite Foreign Company: In Africa, Safaricom
Married: To Anne, June 3, 2001
Children: Arieh, 11; Amelie, 8; Daliah, 3
Clubs: European Physical Society, German Physical Society