Dear Mustafa, you joined Xella a few months ago as plant manager in the Slovenian plant in Kisovec. What motivated you to take on this role, and what were your first experiences and challenges?

I have been employed as plant manager for eight months now. When I took over this role, I felt a deep sense of responsibility—first and foremost towards our employees. I want to sincerely thank all colleagues for the warm welcome, and especially for the valuable knowledge and experience in the production of AAC blocks that they share with me every day.
In my very first discussions with our CTO, I emphasized the importance of occupational health and safety. My belief has always been that if a company invests significantly in ensuring the safety of its employees, then the relationships within the company cannot be anything but positive. Today, I can confidently confirm that I made the right decision in joining Kisovec.
My biggest initial challenge was to learn the production process as quickly as possible. This was, and still is, personally very important to me—to understand every step, from the input of raw materials to the creation of the final product.

You have a strong background in Quality Assurance and Engineering. How do these experiences shape your leadership style today?

My experience plays a key role in my daily leadership. Over the course of my career, I have received extensive leadership training, which helps me navigate everyday challenges with confidence. At the core, I believe leadership starts with being human and acting on strong principles. On the engineering side, our production processes present new challenges every day, and I see each one as an opportunity to learn and grow. The experiences I have gained throughout my career are truly valuable and continue to guide me in overcoming daily challenges.

What drives you personally when it comes to improving production processes and leading a team?

When it comes to management, I am most motivated by employee satisfaction. For me, this is the best confirmation that I am leading my team effectively. In production processes, it is essential to listen to the operators who bring years of hands-on experience. By combining their practical knowledge with an engineering approach, I aim to make their work easier, safer, and more efficient. This not only improves the speed and quality of operations but also leads to greater customer satisfaction and higher overall productivity.

What has been your biggest learning since joining Xella?

I can confidently say that occupational health and safety is my top priority. At Xella, many of our practices are built on the experience and knowledge of our employees, developed over many years. In every company I’ve worked with, safety has been a topic of discussion — but here, it is more than a topic; it is a value. It is the clear boundary we never cross, and it guides every decision we make.

How do you see your role in connecting innovation, safety, and sustainability at the plant?

Every new project and idea we develop is first and foremost connected to the safety of our employees and the protection of our environment. Before any serious discussion begins, we ask ourselves two key questions: how safe is this project for our people. And how will it impact our environment? These principles are the driving force behind our investments and innovations, ensuring that progress always goes hand in hand with responsibility. My colleagues across our region share very similar values to ours. This proves that our leadership is truly centered on respecting employees, prioritizing their safety, and ensuring social security for all of us. My main message is simple: talk openly, listen carefully, and respect every opinion.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy running, which helps me stay focused and energized. I am also a proud father of two sons, and a big part of my life is spending time with them — whether through social activities or their various afternoon commitments.