Matthias Altendorf has spent nearly 40 years advancing his career at Endress+Hauser, a Swiss-based global supplier of products, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Beginning as an apprentice in toolmaking, Altendorf soon completed his high school education and pursued physics, working initially in the R&D department. His career took him to the United States for Endress+Hauser and later through various executive roles across R&D, marketing, and management, eventually leading him to serve as CEO for more than a decade before transitioning into his current post as President of the Supervisory Board. 

Throughout his professional journey, Altendorf emphasized continuous learning, attending executive programs globally, including completing an MBA and eventually participating in MIT Sloan's Advanced Management Program (AMP) in 2019. His motivation for choosing Sloan was clear: a deepening interest in the strategic importance of behavioral sciences and systems thinking.

Altendorf sought MIT Sloan’s AMP specifically for its renowned emphasis on systems thinking and data-driven decision-making, essential elements he believed would significantly enhance his ability to lead Endress+Hauser amid rapid digital transformation. The program surpassed his expectations, significantly enriching his understanding of customer journeys and interdisciplinary integration. Altendorf explained, "MIT Sloan molded these components seamlessly, bringing engineering, financial, and social perspectives together."

Reflecting on his AMP experience, Altendorf highlighted the dual value of academic insights and peer exchanges. The diverse senior leadership perspectives offered by fellow participants profoundly enriched the program. "Half the value came from academia's latest research, and half from participants sharing their deep professional experiences," he noted.

During the program, Altendorf established a strong network of global peers, which he continues to foster by actively participating in annual MIT events, even contributing lectures based on his experiences leading a family-owned enterprise. Inspired by MIT Sloan's approach, together with the HR team, he developed an internal curriculum, successfully guiding Endress+Hauser’s top 100 executives through their leadership journeys. And he didn’t stop there! 

When Endress+Hauser sought a new partner for its executive education program, "Strategy 2027+", Altendorf confidently chose MIT Sloan again. "MIT offered exactly what we needed—a perfect blend of academic rigor and practical business relevance," he emphasized.

The impact of the program has been profound, creating deeply bonded executive cohorts with shared strategic visions. "The relationships forged are stronger and more meaningful than those typically achieved in day-to-day interactions," Altendorf explained. "This mutual trust and shared understanding provide a powerful competitive edge."

Altendorf’s advice to prospective clients highlights clarity as a crucial factor for a successful experience. "You must know exactly what you want to achieve. When you have clarity, MIT Sloan can expertly tailor their program to meet your needs precisely," he advised, underscoring the importance of preparation in maximizing the program’s benefits.

Ultimately, Matthias Altendorf’s career and his experiences with MIT Sloan illustrate a powerful alignment of strategic vision, continuous learning, and practical innovation, firmly positioning Endress+Hauser as a future-ready leader in industrial automation and beyond.

Learn more about Endress+Hauser’s custom executive education program experience and outcomes.