Madalina, you recently completed an EMBA in Business Administration and Management. What was it like to pursue this degree while working as the CFO of Xella Romania?

Completing this EMBA was an intensive and demanding journey that required discipline, consistency, and personal commitment. Balancing it with my responsibilities as CFO pushed me out of my comfort zone, yet my curiosity to develop myself kept me motivated. These years of preparation helped me refine the way I think, act, and respond to complex situations, and have prepared me to add value as a leader.
 
What made the experience meaningful was the opportunity to learn alongside people from different backgrounds and to see how they apply their knowledge in different fields. I loved the fact that there was always someone who excelled in an area I didn’t, which challenged me to grow even further.

Why did you join Xella ten years ago? 

I had previously worked for a local construction business, and after three years I felt it was the right moment to explore an international environment, to understand how things operate at a different scale. Around that time, a former colleague mentioned a position in accounting at Xella, and the opportunity immediately resonated with me. I decided to take the step, and within two months I was entrusted with additional responsibilities. That early trust confirmed that I had made the right choice and that this was a place where I could grow.
 
Looking back, I realize that I have been part of half of Xella Romania’s history and have witnessed every stage of its maturation. As the company expanded its operations and became more complex, the financial and managerial role evolved as well, shifting from a purely finance-focused function to one that directly supports commercial, investment, and strategic decisions.

How has the company changed during this time?

To me, it felt like being in constant motion. Over the past ten years, Xella has expanded and transformed, delivering affordable solutions while preparing for the future.
We reached major milestones – from acquiring a leading competitor in Romania to completing multiple mergers and acquisitions, transferring and divesting business operations, and building new entities and business areas. Each step strengthened our ability to compete in a more complex environment.
These changes reflect a deeper evolution in how we think, plan, and deliver value, and being part of this journey has been truly motivating.

What are your responsibilities as CFO of Romania?

My role requires a holistic view of the business, supporting both daily operations and long‑term growth. I translate financial data into strategic insights that guide decisions and help us better serve our customers.
A key focus is driving digitalization and streamlining processes. I have supported projects such as Digital Dispatch and Touchless Postings, which show how digital tools can simplify workflows and allow teams to focus on higher-value work.
Overall, I ensure that finance acts as a strategic partner – enabling efficiency, supporting transformation, and supporting sustainable growth.

How did you enter the construction industry?

I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind numbers – and how they shape sustainable decisions and long‑term results. Beyond that, I was drawn to the manufacturing and construction industries, where the impact is tangible: what you build remains visible long after the work is done.

Where do you get your energy from?

My energy comes from curiosity and from the way I’m structured – I like to make things happen and move things forward. At the same time, I’ve learned how important it is to take moments for myself, whether that means spending time with my family or simply going for a walk. In a world that moves so fast, these simple moments become even more valuable.
A while back, I also worked with colleagues and partner associations on a project where we helped build houses for people in need. Contributing to something so tangible and meaningful outside the office gives me an additional source of energy and perspective.

How did this project come along?

Together with a nonprofit organization, Xella Romania supported a housing project for people in need by providing building materials and hands-on help. Wanting to give back, my colleagues and I spent a full day on site, building walls ourselves and working with Xella materials under professional guidance.
The experience gave us first-hand insight into the realities of construction work and highlighted that, especially amid skilled‑labor shortages, success depends not just on materials, but on the people who work with them. Working piece by piece deepened our understanding of our products and reinforced the value of well‑trained teams in creating durable buildings.