Beat Hauenstein: «Success Gives Me Energy and Joy»
He likes to drive his vintage Land Rover Defender without stress and his employees appreciate his realism. In this interview, Beat Hauenstein from Oettinger Davidoff talks about his morning routine and his current priorities.
Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences on finews.privé.
What do you do first in the morning?
I start the day with a long walk with our dog, enjoying the calm and freshness oft he morning in nature.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best part is working together with over 4,000 people from diverse cultures, all pulling in the same direction and achieving success as a team.
A moment that changed your life?
The birth of my children – and the passing of my parents.
What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?
I really enjoy driving my vintage Land Rover Defender – it’s relaxed and stress-free.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self ?
Have confidence in yourself and speak your mind, even when it’s uncomfortable. Be mindful of whom you trust, and don’t be fooled by empty promises or pretenders.
What are you particularly proud of?
My four children.
What has bees your biggest defeat?
Whenever I’ve faced setbacks, I remind myself of Winston Churchill’s quote: «Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It ist he courage to continue that counts.»
What is your favorite wine?
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou from St. Julien.
Are you currently working on a project ?
Our current strategic cycle includes over 45 projects around branding commercialization, efficiency, leadership, and culture. We’ve just completed a major project : expandeing our manufacturing facility in the Dominican Republic, nearly doubling our production capacity. And this year, Oettinger Davidoff celebrates its 150th anniversary !
What is most important to you at the moment ?
Health always comes first. As Arthur Schopenhauer said : « Health is not everything, but without health, everything is nothing. »
What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to do your job for a day ?
That the handmade premium cigar business – due to ist many and increasingly strict regulations – is far less romantic than cigar lovers might imagine.
What is your personal drive ?
Success gives me energy and joy. What’s important to me in daily business is a transparent and constructive approach to mistakes.
What are you afraid of ?
I hope I’ll never look back and realize that my work and responsibilities, as demanding as they are, left too little time for what truly matters. That’s why I try to keep my priorities well balanced.
Your favorite watch brand?
Patek Philippe and Rolex.
What do your employees value most about you?
My realism, honesty, and commitment to transparency.
Your best investment?
The support and love I give to my family.
Beat Hauenstein has been CEO of Oettinger Davidoff in Basel since 2017. This year, the family-owned company is celebrating its 150th anniversary and is a global market leader in the production and marketing of hand-rolled premium cigars. Hauenstein studied at the University of St. Gallen and worked at Coop and Helvetia before joining Oettinger Davidoff in 2003.
