From Malaysia to Switzerland: How Global Mobility Shaped Estelle’s Career at Hilti

Written in collaboration with Estelle Kee, and the employer brand team

Global Careers Made Real at Hilti

For many professionals, the opportunity to work in another country is exciting. At the same time, it can feel like a major step into the unknown. Estelle Kee knows that feeling well.

In February 2020, she moved from Malaysia to Switzerland, transitioning from a project management role in IT Infrastructure at Hilti Asia IT Services to a Global IT Project Manager role within Digital Supply Chain Management in Buchs.

The move brought new responsibilities, a new culture, and an entirely new business environment. It also became one of the most defining experiences of her career.

Today, Estelle's story demonstrates how international opportunities at Hilti can open new perspectives, accelerate professional development, and create meaningful impact far beyond a change of location.

From Malaysia to Switzerland

Moving from Malaysia to Switzerland was more than a geographical change.

For Estelle, it was a two-dimensional transition, adapting to a new country while simultaneously entering a completely new business domain.

While the experience felt exciting, it was also unfamiliar. Yet through every shift in perspective, culture, and responsibility, she felt consistently supported.

The Move That Expanded Her Perspective

What inspired Estelle to take the opportunity? A combination of curiosity, ambition, and a belief that meaningful development often begins outside of a comfort zone.

With encouragement from team leaders, mentors, and close family members, she learned early in her early career that every change brings an opportunity to grow.

Each new chapter pushed her to leave familiar routines behind, embrace new experiences, and discover more about herself, not only as a technology professional, but also as someone working and collaborating across cultures.

Learning Through a New Environment

Adapting to a new country taught Estelle lessons that could never have been learned in a classroom. She became a stronger listener, developed greater cultural awareness, and learned to approach challenges with more empathy and intention.

Experiencing different perspectives during the pandemic also reinforced a valuable lesson, people do not need to compromise their convictions in order to be compassionate and inclusive. This experience aligned strongly with Hilti's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

A Support System That Made a Difference

Relocating internationally can be daunting, but Estelle never felt alone. From relocation support and onboarding programs to the everyday guidance of leaders and colleagues, she experienced a culture that helped her settle into both her role and her new environment.

Beyond her day-to-day work, she also became involved in two OWN IT! Communities, which are Sustainability and Environment, and Ladies OWN IT! These employee-led groups gave her additional opportunities to connect with colleagues, contribute to important topics, and experience Hilti's inclusive culture firsthand.

Like many international moves, the experience came with challenges. Language differences, cultural adjustments, and moments of self-doubt tested her resilience. Looking back, however, those moments became important learning opportunities. They taught her adaptability, humility, and the value of asking for help, a habit that does not come naturally in every culture, but one that helped her succeed. Those lessons continue to shape the way she leads today.

Turning Opportunity Into Impact

Estelle's move came at a critical moment.

As organizations around the world worked through the challenges of the pandemic, digital transformation became increasingly important in helping businesses remain resilient and connected.

Working within Digital Supply Chain Management, Estelle played an important role in the rollout of Ariba Supply Chain Collaboration and Guided Buying solutions across direct sourcing and indirect procurement. Building on that success, she later stepped into a larger role as a DRIVE Implementation Manager. In this position, she led a major SAP S/4HANA cloud migration and upgrade, bringing together more than 100 stakeholders across Global IT, Logistics, Procurement, and Manufacturing.

These experiences expanded not only her technical expertise, but also her ability to lead complex international projects involving diverse teams and business functions.

A Memorable Milestone

While the transformation projects were significant, one experience stands out as especially meaningful. Estelle had the opportunity to moderate Hilti's inaugural Live Sustainability event at headquarters.

Sharing the stage with Prof. Thomas Stocker, Hilti's Group CEO, and the Chief Sustainability Officer highlighted how technology, leadership, and sustainability can work together to shape the future of business.

It remains one of her proudest memories at Hilti.

What the Experience Changed

With every transformation project came opportunities to build resilience. That mindset eventually led Estelle into cybersecurity, where her background in project leadership, change management, and Operational Technology (OT) security created a natural foundation for continued growth.

Her international experience delivered far more than geographic exposure. It strengthened her ability to lead with both head and heart, stay adaptable through uncertainty, and collaborate across diverse teams to solve complex challenges. These experiences continue to influence both her leadership style and the value she creates today.

A Tapestry of Experiences

For Estelle, international mobility resembles a tapestry.

Every experience, country, culture, and connection adds a unique thread. Viewed individually, each thread has its own story. Together, they create something richer and more meaningful.

Looking back, her experience has deepened her understanding of what it means to serve, collaborate, and lead within a truly global organization.

Looking Beyond Borders

What impressed Estelle most was not simply the opportunity to move internationally, but the way Hilti invests in its people.

For her, global mobility is far more than relocation. It is an investment in development, capability building, and long-term career growth. That combination of care, trust, and performance creates an environment where people can step into unfamiliar situations, develop new skills, and discover opportunities they may never have considered before.

Global mobility at Hilti goes beyond its classical definition. It is truly a commitment to growth for both the business and its people.

For anyone considering an international opportunity, Estelle's advice is simple: be open to change.

A move abroad is about much more than geography. It is a chance to challenge yourself, broaden your perspective, and discover new strengths. Her story shows that global careers are not built through location changes alone. They are built through curiosity, adaptability, and the willingness to take a step into something unfamiliar.

At Hilti, international opportunities are more than a move. They are an opportunity to grow, contribute, and build a career that reaches beyond borders. Explore what's possible today Jobs | Hilti Careers.