The world’s most accomplished CEOs aren’t necessarily the ones who are the most dazzling. They are the ones with a long-term vision and are committed to creating lasting value. Svetlana Maxwell is one of the promising CEOs revolutionizing the Industrial Services & Assembly industry. As the CEO of Innomaks, Svetlana Maxwell leads the company’s growth. She excels in driving strategy, innovation, and business performance improvement. Holding an MBA from the University Business School in London, UK, Svetlana combines academic excellence with practical experience, enabling her to implement cutting-edge solutions and spearhead initiatives that continuously elevate Innomaks. In this interview, Svetlana Maxwell shares her insights into her career and professional journey.

Could you please share your educational background and industry experience?

I hold an MBA, a Master of Business Administration, which I obtained from the Open University Business School in London, UK. During my studies, I focused primarily on general business administration, with a particular emphasis on supply chain management. One of the major projects I dedicated a full year to was studying the Toyota Total Product System, which is deeply rooted in Japanese business culture, and emphasizes innovation and waste elimination across all aspects of business operations.

To give you a bit of background, I was born and raised in Serbia, where I began my career in the steel industry, starting in the sales department at US Steel. Initially, I focused on selling a specific type of product but I quickly advanced to become the Director of Sales for the former Yugoslavia market and later expanded to handle sales of the products from Slovakia plant as well. My role then grew, and I was relocated to Slovakia to oversee sales for the automotive sector at US Steel’s European headquarters.

Subsequently, my mentor and general manager moved to a new role in procurement and brought me along. In this capacity, I was responsible for global commodity purchases and later also managed investments and services. I spent a total of 15 years in the steel industry, which was my initial plan for gaining professional experience in this heavy industry. Given the male-dominated nature of the steel industry, my long-term goal was to develop my expertise there for about 15 years before moving on.

"Our Main Goal Is Continuous Development And Improvement Of The Skills & Knowledge Of Our Workers To Fulfill The Customer’s Needs & Requirements"

After 15 years, I transitioned from US Steel to become the Director of Supply Chain at a global machinery industry company with over 208 factories worldwide. In this role, I focused on optimizing the supply chain, managing the total cost of ownership, and ensuring high-quality and timely production by strategically relocating manufacturing operations to different countries as needed.

What were some key milestones in your career?

One major milestone was moving from Serbia to Slovakia, which exposed me to new cultures and business practices. This relocation, based on my performance, allowed me to learn and grow professionally. Another significant milestone was the decision to start my own company, INNOMAKS, after spending 15 years in the steel industry.

Could you highlight your areas of expertise in sales, procurement, and supply chain management?

My key area of expertise is in leading & developing future talents in heavy industries. I believe strongly in building a solid team of talented individuals and helping them grow. When my team thrives, so do I. Additionally, I prioritize fostering win-win relationships with both suppliers and customers, ensuring mutual growth and success in every project we undertake.

Can you introduce INNOMAKS and explain what makes your company stand out?

INNOMAKS stands for innovation, as I aimed to bring a fresh and innovative approach to the industrial montage industry. As CEO, my focus is on building a strong team capable of handling the toughest projects, whether in investments or outages projects. We excel in safety, quality, and productivity, with a significant emphasis on training our workforce. Also, as a woman-owned business in a male-dominated industry, INNOMAKS has a unique touch that sets us apart.

The company offers services such as welding, grinding, assembly, erection, and installation. Some of the major activities of our company include welding, assembly, montage, and installation for all types of industries namely for customers in central, western, and northern Europe as well as Latin America.

How do you see the representation of women leaders evolving in Slovakia's business landscape?

I think that in Slovakia, women are gradually gaining more recognition in various industries. This is part of a global trend where more women are stepping into significant political and business roles. However, women are still often paid less than men holding the same positions, especially in business. There’s definitely room for improvement.

I admire Elon Musk for his approach to people. For instance, his Tesla batteries and the satellites he launched bear the message "Made by humans on Earth." This reflects the idea that we should focus on people, regardless of gender. Personally, I’ve worked in a male-dominated industry, where most managers and leaders are men. I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove that my abilities are equal, if not superior, to theirs. That said, I believe Slovakia is moving in the right direction, offering more opportunities to both men and women and gradually leveling the playing field in business.  I would like to advise aspiring women entrepreneurs or leaders “Don’t be afraid to start your own business and follow your dreams. There’s a lot of potential out there—you just need to seize the opportunity and go for it. Our Main Goal Is Continuous Development And Improvement Of The Skills & Knowledge Of Our Workers To Fulfill The Customer’s Needs & Requirements

Svetlana Maxwell, CEO & Managing Director, Innomaks

Svetlana Maxwell, CEO & Managing Director of Innomaks, is a dynamic leader with expertise in sales, global procurement, and supply chain. She excels in driving strategy, innovation, and business performance improvement.