We sat down with Ryan Pisani, VP of Finance for North America at Gentherm to discuss his remarkable career journey. From his beginnings as a summer intern to his current leadership role, Ryan shares insights into his career progression, the importance of mentorship, and his vision for the future. 

Q: How did you start your career at Gentherm? 

Ryan: I started in Malta when the company was known as W.E.T. In 1999, at 16 years old, I joined as a summer intern. At that time, a summer internship meant doing whatever it took – from making coffee to filing physical documents for quality audits. My early responsibilities included various administrative tasks, but I quickly found myself immersed in the accounting department.

Q: How did you balance work and education in the early stages of your career?

Ryan: Even while still in high school, I continued working part-time at Gentherm. My boss at the time suggested I keep coming in some hours every week or during the month, which allowed me to balance work and school. This balance was crucial as I pursued my education at the University of Malta, where I earned a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Management and later a specialized Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance.

Q: Can you tell us about your first significant career milestone?

Ryan: One notable moment was taking on payroll responsibilities when the payroll manager went on maternity leave. This experience gave me valuable insights into manufacturing and payroll processes. It was my first significant role where I began to understand the complexities of finance in a manufacturing environment.

Q: How did your international experience shape your career?

Ryan: In 2004, my finance manager invited me to China for the summer to help establish the finance department. I fell in love with China and saw it as an exciting opportunity. After graduating in 2006, I moved to China to become the operations finance/plant controller. Moving to China was a pivotal moment for me. It was challenging, but it taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability.

Q: What was your role in establishing Gentherm’s presence in Southeast Asia?

Ryan: As Gentherm’s operations in Asia grew, so did my responsibilities. I joined a project in 2013 to find a new plant location in Southeast Asia, leading to the establishment of a plant in Vietnam. Being part of the startup management team in Vietnam was a unique experience. It was like watching a baby grow. I balanced dual roles as the finance manager of Vietnam and regional operations finance, which helped me develop a broad skill set.

Q: How has Gentherm supported your professional development?

Ryan: Throughout my career, Gentherm has been committed to my professional development. I participated in the high-potential team, contributing to strategic projects such as establishing an internal audit function. Gentherm also provided CFO-specific training with Deloitte, preparing me for future leadership roles. Clear career aspirations and continuous learning have been key in my journey.

Q: Can you share a recent career milestone?

Ryan: In 2020, I transitioned to the global operations finance role in the US, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving to the US and taking on this global role was a significant step that provided me with a broader perspective and new challenges. My clarity in career aspirations has been a driving force in my development.

Q: What advice do you have for those aspiring to grow their careers?

Ryan: Saying yes to new opportunities has always been my approach. It’s about embracing challenges and learning from them. I believe in the power of networking within the organization and being clear about career goals. This has been crucial in my journey. Also, being involved in cross-functional projects and building rapport with colleagues across the globe can significantly enhance your career development.

Q: What is your vision for the future at Gentherm?

Ryan: In January 2023, I was appointed as the finance leader of Asia. In early 2024, I returned to North America as the finance leader. I am excited about leading a talented team and continuing to drive innovation and efficiency in our finance operations. My goal is to inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders at Gentherm, fostering a culture of growth, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.