Welcoming Future Business Leaders from K J Somaiya Institute of Management to Switzerland
What does global business look like in practice? For a group of students and faculty from K J Somaiya Institute of Management in Mumbai, India, the answer came through two days of learning, discussion, and exploration alongside the teams at CPH Group and Zeochem in Switzerland.
Led by Professors Dr. Satyendra Upadhyay and Dr. Tanushree, the visit gave students an opportunity to see firsthand how an international organization operates across different markets and cultures while meeting the people responsible for guiding its growth and success.
Discovering CPH Group and Switzerland
The visit began at CPH Group headquarters in Perlen, where students were introduced to the company’s history, business activities, and global footprint. Through presentations and conversations with company leaders, they gained a better understanding of how businesses evolve, grow internationally, and adapt to changing market conditions.
The program also offered time to experience Switzerland itself. From the breathtaking views of Mount Titlis to the historic streets of Lucerne, students were able to experience some of the culture and landscapes that make Switzerland unique.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Zeochem
The second day brought the group to Zeochem AG in Rüti, where students explored how innovation, manufacturing, and customer focus come together to support industries around the world.
Presentations from members of the Zeochem leadership team provided insight into the company’s global operations and the critical role its technologies play in healthcare, life sciences, energy, and industrial markets. Students also toured the Zeochem AG facility with Maarten de Voer and Michael Wormann, gaining a closer look at the people and processes behind Zeochem’s products.
One of the highlights of the visit was a discussion with Dr. Alois Waldburg-Zeil, CEO of CPH Group. Students had the opportunity to hear his perspective on leadership, international business, and the challenges and opportunities that come with managing a global organization.
Turning Experience into Learning
The visit was more than an opportunity to observe—it will now serve as the foundation for future academic work.
Using what they learned during their time in Switzerland, students will develop case studies based on the collaboration between Zeochem and Sorbchem India Pvt. Ltd. Their work will explore real-world topics such as business integration, organizational growth, international partnerships, and the challenges of operating across global markets.
By connecting classroom concepts with actual business experiences, the project offers students a unique opportunity to analyze how strategic decisions are made in an international environment.
Learning Through Real-World Experience
Visits like this create opportunities for students to gain exposure to real business challenges while allowing companies like ours to share experiences, ideas, and perspectives with the next generation of leaders.
We would like to thank Professors Satyendra Upadhyay and Tanushree, the students of K J Somaiya Institute of Management, and everyone from CPH Group, Zeochem, and Sorbchem India who helped make this visit possible.
It will be exciting to see how the students translate their experiences in Switzerland into their case studies. We wish them continued success in their studies and future careers.