Interview with Charles Pozzo di Borgo (ISTEC 2016), Parts, Accessories & Pricing Manager at SAIC Motor France / MG Motor France
What is your professional background and your current position?
As a fifth-year student at ISTEC, I worked part-time at Philips, where I was responsible for financial processes and controls. I specialized in “Finance and Business Development” at ISTEC. Afterward, I was recruited by Nissan Europe through the Nissan Graduate Program and became a financial process controller in 2016. In 2017, I transitioned to the role of aftersales marketing project manager at Nissan France, then returned to Nissan Europe as sales and planning coordinator in 2018. In 2019, I became responsible for sales and marketing in the Conversion & Accessories department at Nissan Europe. In July 2021, I joined MG Motor France as the Parts, Accessories & Pricing Manager.
Please introduce SAIC Motor / MG Motor and your role.
SAIC France is a subsidiary of the SAIC Group, which has been the largest Chinese automaker for the past 15 years, the 8th largest automaker globally, and the 60th largest fortune worldwide.
Morris Garage (MG) was established in 1924 in England. SAIC acquired the MG brand in 2007, marking the beginning of a new era. SAIC Motor France was launched in March 2020 with the ZS EV, followed by the EHS. This month, the company unveiled the Marvel R, the MG 5 (the world’s first electric SW estate car), and the updated version of the ZS EV.
The French subsidiary is a start-up that belongs to a renowned international group. I joined the aftersales department, specifically in the Parts & Accessories division, which is a significant source of revenue and profit for any automaker. There are many challenges involved, such as managing parts logistics from China to French dealerships via Amsterdam, dealing with IT systems, pricing, digital marketing, aftersales, sales, and stock planning. Needless to say, the days go by quickly! It’s also very exciting to join an automaker that is starting its operations in Europe and France, especially considering the current downward trend among traditional European automakers. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity.
What has your education at ISTEC brought to your professional activity?
ISTEC teaches us resourcefulness and exposes us to various subjects, including finance, sales, negotiation, marketing, and HR. It’s beneficial to have a broad understanding of different processes within a company to better comprehend the work and needs of colleagues. Working in groups (which ISTEC is famous for, both for the best and the most challenging experiences) is also important. It reflects the real world of business, and one must learn how to identify the levers that drive project progress.
ISTEC offers an English program that enables students to join international companies and work in English on a daily basis. International programs also facilitate this opportunity. Yearly internships and work-study programs are essential factors for entering the workforce under optimal conditions after graduation.
What advice would you give to students and young graduates to succeed in their studies and professional life?
Take advantage of your studies to explore as many horizons as possible. Go abroad, pursue work-study programs, and build your network. These are decisive assets for future success. Your open-mindedness and curiosity will be highly valued.
Also, strive for a good work-life balance. Engage in personal projects, join associations, continue doing sports—these activities will expand your network and allow you to breathe and enjoy life! Remember, we work to live, not the other way around.
The alumni network can also provide valuable assistance, so don’t hesitate to reach out for advice! You will quickly realize that in many companies in France, there is always an ISTEC graduate…
Closing statement:
For car enthusiasts, feel free to check out MG Motor France‘s social media accounts. We have lots of cool posts!
https://mgmotor.fr/, https://www.instagram.com/mgmotorfr/, https://twitter.com/MGMotorFrance, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm06PqkhFyi3BBW2S2LbOpQ
For music fans, you can follow Pozzo Live, the coolest music webzine in the universe (another one of my activities).
https://www.pozzo-live.com/, https://www.facebook.com/pozzo.live/, https://www.instagram.com/pozzo_live/, https://twitter.com/PozzoLive
Contact : charles.pozzodiborgo@mgmotor.fr
Would you like to share your experience as an ISTEC graduate? Contact Claude Wisdorff, General Director of ISTEC Réseau – ISTEC Alumni Association, at c.wisdorff@istec.fr.