The Waterful Journey: Reinhard Hubner’s Inspiring Path in the Water Sector

In the latest episode of the Exec Exchange 15-minute podcast, Piers Clark sat down with Reinhard Hubner, the Chief Executive of SKion Water, based in Germany. Reinhard’s story is a testament to the power of embracing opportunities, taking risks, and the importance of people in the pursuit of success. Here are the key takeaways from their engaging discussion.

Introduction to SKion Water

Reinhard Hubner didn’t set out to enter the water industry. His professional journey began in the world of manufacturing and spanned diverse sectors like chemicals, pharma, automotive, logistics, and electronics. His introduction to water came unexpectedly, when he was thrust into a major wastewater management project. This chance encounter piqued his curiosity in an overlooked but vital sector: the hidden world of water infrastructure.

Building SKion Water from the Ground Up

Reinhard’s career took a transformative turn in 2010 when he was headhunted by the entrepreneurial Ms. Clutton, who was driven by a visionary zeal to make an impact in the water industry. He was tasked with building a water-focused enterprise from scratch, with nothing but an idea and an empty sheet of paper. Today, SKion Water is a global treatment solution provider for freshwater and wastewater, serving both municipal and industrial clients, and employs around 5,000 people while generating a turnover of approximately 1.5 billion euros.

Challenges and Strategies in the Water Industry

The water sector is notoriously fragmented, both in terms of service providers and customers, making it challenging for new entrants to scale effectively. Reinhard explained the importance of finding the right partners to help navigate these complexities. For start-ups and new technologies, collaboration is key. Utilizing established companies with customer access and established trust can turn potential ideas into market success.

The Importance of People

Reinhard’s leadership philosophy places a strong emphasis on people. His biggest successes have come from retaining key team members when acquiring new companies. Maintaining continuity helps preserve the company culture and ensures smooth integration without disrupting operations. He recognizes that the unique skills and commitment of employees drive innovation and results in the water sector.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Reflecting on his journey, Reinhard advises young professionals to find their flow—pursuing a career path that brings happiness rather than being bogged down by rigid plans. Interestingly, Reinhard notes the significance of roles that AI cannot replicate, emphasizing the enduring importance of human expertise in addressing real hardware and on-site challenges in the water industry.

Reinhard Hubner’s story is one of seizing unexpected opportunities and rigorously driving towards innovation while valuing every team member’s contribution. It serves as an inspiring example for entrepreneurs and veterans in the water industry alike, illustrating the profound impact one can have when passion and expertise come together in pursuit of a critical cause. Reinhard’s journey with SKion Water continues to shape the future of water treatment and sustainability, setting a high bar for what’s possible in the industry.

Join us next time on the Exec Exchange podcast for more inspiring stories from leaders across the globe.