31 Mar 2025
Matthias Roth, 2024 alumnus of the International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) programme at the International Business School Suzhou (IBSS), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), embodies the spirit of lifelong learning, international agility, and pragmatic leadership. From his early years in Germany to becoming the General Manager of SOMMER Shanghai, Matthias' journey is one of technical mastery, cultural adaptation, and strategic reinvention.
Foundations in Practice: A Career Built on Craft and Curiosity
Matthias began his professional path through Germany’s dual education system, favouring a vocational route over traditional academia. Recognising early that hands-on expertise would serve him better than theory alone, he trained as a toolmaker specialising in injection moulding. This gave him a solid foundation in manufacturing—an environment where precision, process understanding, and discipline are paramount.
“I realised early on that value comes from doing. Every tool I built, every process I touched, shaped the way I think and solve problems,” Matthias reflects.
His academic excellence earned him a government scholarship, which he used to study English abroad. What began as a language-learning mission turned into a formative world tour. Travelling across continents, Matthias developed not just linguistic fluency but a global perspective—an asset that would later define his professional life.
China: The Bold Move That Changed Everything
Upon returning to Germany, Matthias found the familiar too limiting. When an opportunity emerged in China, he seized it—despite having no command of Chinese and limited exposure to Asia. In 2005, he arrived in Suzhou to manage production for a German company. The challenges were immediate, but so were the opportunities.
A few years later, he joined SOMMER, a specialist in door and gate automation, as Technical Director. There, Matthias not only applied his engineering background but began engaging more deeply with business operations—from customer service to strategic planning. Over time, he recognised that his technical expertise needed to be complemented by formal management knowledge to lead effectively in a fast-evolving, multicultural environment.
The IMBA Journey: Expanding Perspective and Capability
A chance conversation with a former professor led Matthias to explore the IMBA programme at IBSS. Drawn by its international faculty, English-language instruction, and practical teaching methods, he enrolled with a clear goal: to transform from an operational leader into a strategic one.
Visiting the campus before enrolling left a strong impression. “The facilities were world-class, and the programme offered the structure I needed to grow beyond my technical boundaries,” Matthias recalls.
What stood out most during the programme were the real-world case studies, team-based projects, and access to diverse peer perspectives. Working alongside classmates from multiple countries sharpened his cross-cultural collaboration skills—an essential quality for leading in China.
“I appreciated how the group assignments pushed us to reconcile different ways of thinking. It wasn’t just about agreeing—it was about solving problems together, leveraging the strength of our differences.”
Presentation training, case analysis, and guest lectures from industry leaders became key components of his learning. Initially reserved in public speaking, Matthias credits the programme’s structure for helping him develop into a confident communicator—capable of leading discussions in boardrooms and with international partners alike.
One highlight was the study trip to the University of Liverpool, which included academic workshops and corporate site visits. “Being on campus in the UK, seeing how theory connects to industry—especially at places like Jaguar Land Rover—gave me a broader understanding of innovation in action.”
Balancing Multiple Roles: Lessons in Resilience
Completing the IMBA while managing full-time responsibilities and raising a family was no small feat. Toward the end of the programme, Matthias relocated temporarily to a hotel near his office to minimise distractions and concentrate on exams and project work.
“That was an intense period,” he admits. “But the experience taught me that discipline, structure, and clear priorities are non-negotiable for growth.”
Even during periods of business travel and pandemic-related quarantine, Matthias remained committed. In one instance, a professor’s extra effort to deliver a one-on-one course recap left a lasting impression on him. “That moment showed the level of care IBSS faculty have for their students—it was more than just teaching, it was mentorship.”
From Technical Leader to General Manager
In late 2023, Matthias was appointed General Manager of SOMMER Shanghai—a move that marked his successful transition into executive leadership. He now oversees both technical operations and business strategy, leading a team of 20 employees across functions.
Armed with the tools from the IMBA, Matthias brought new rigour to financial reviews, broadened the company’s marketing efforts, and placed greater emphasis on employee development. Previously unfamiliar with financial analysis, he now interprets balance sheets and P&L statements with confidence. In marketing, he applies a more holistic perspective, aligning technical innovation with customer needs and market trends.
“The IMBA helped me understand that leadership is not about knowing everything—it’s about asking the right questions, and creating an environment where people can succeed.”
The Power of Peer Networks
To this day, Matthias draws value from the IBSS alumni network. When facing strategic questions—such as market expansion or supplier restructuring—he often consults former classmates for insight. These conversations bring fresh thinking, informed by diverse industries and geographies.
“The alumni network is more than a contact list—it’s a sounding board for real-world decisions. Some of the best strategic input I’ve received has come from peers who now work in finance, marketing, or logistics across Asia and Europe.”
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on his journey, Matthias describes the IMBA programme as a turning point—not just in his career, but in his mindset. “It gave me the vocabulary, frameworks, and confidence to lead with intent. I now approach challenges from a broader vantage point—with both feet on the ground, but eyes on the horizon.”
With a clear leadership mandate, an international mindset, and an engineer’s discipline, Matthias continues to drive SOMMER’s growth in China—serving as a bridge between cultures, disciplines, and generations.
31 Mar 2025