I lead a team of four and together we help employees of International and the wider TRATON GROUP navigate all the complexities of employee mobility – whether it’s immigration, domestic relocation or international assignment. I moved here from Munich and began my own global assignment as Head of Global Mobility in Chicago in 2023. It’s a rare experience – to truly step into the shoes of those we support daily, navigating not only the logistics of an intercontinental move but also the emotional journey that comes with it.
For example, when I organized our family’s relocation to Chicago, I was genuinely excited about this new opportunity. But, then my son, a young adult at the time, decided he wasn’t going to join. This unexpected change meant we had to adapt quickly. It was a reminder that with relocations, no matter how well you plan, there’s always something unforeseen. Flexibility and resilience have become just as important as logistics. I travel regularly to see him, and the rest of my family, our beloved dog, who never leaves my side when I’m home. And whenever I’m home, I make time to visit the TRATON offices. This gives me the chance to meet with my TRATON colleagues in person, which I really value.
Our Global Mobility team is partly remote and works across different US states. We work closely together despite being geographically dispersed and stay connected with each other through regular video calls. We nurture the human side of our working relationship by allowing some time to share and catch up on our personal lives, just as we would in a shared office. Our work is deeply rooted in HR and each day brings a mix of quick check-ins and more complex situations. The pace and nature of our work depend on where people are in their relocation journey, how much support is needed, and at times external factors, such as new immigration regulations, if it’s an international relocation. No two days are the same and that’s what makes our work both dynamic and meaningful.
Our team’s busiest phase is during new relocations or global assignments. We don’t simply support the employee who will take on a new role, be it in the same or a different country. Our work extends to partners, children, pets and the general intricacies of life. We help colleagues navigate the ambiguity and uncertainty of immigration, what certain policies mean for them and how that impacts their move.
For assignees, repatriation, the final stage of the global assignment cycle, is another phase which generates a lot of questions. And sometimes the timing of someone’s return to their home country is accelerated due to a new opportunity, for instance. One key objective is to retain talent for the long haul. Supporting them every step of the way, with empathy and understanding, as they navigate these major transitions is an essential part of our sustainable approach.
When I started at MAN Truck & Bus in 2011 as Global Assignments Manager, it quickly became clear to me: This is more than just a job. I vividly remember realizing that I wasn’t just managing processes but finding real solutions that impacted people’s lives. In 2018, the opportunity arose to take a new path as International HR Manager at the TRATON SE in Munich – taking on an even broader international focus and exciting strategic responsibilities – where I remained until the opportunity for my current role came up in 2023. Every stage of our careers hold value – even my years as a tax consultant before 2011 continue to serve me today when navigating specific tax inquiries - so this experience is still relevant and reinforces the importance of diverse professional foundations.
Every new role and every new country experience is not just a career step – it’s an opportunity for personal growth. Such experiences don’t just broaden horizons and open perspectives but also teach adaptability. Through my experience at International, which has been truly positive, I’ve learned and grown, and gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse approaches of teams and individuals.
I feel genuinely supported by my colleagues in my assignment. Chicago is a vibrant city full of cultural events and living in the US is exciting in general. It’s a melting pot of so many different cultures and experiences. TRATON reflects that same diversity – where every brand and every employee bring something unique to the table.
Greetings from Chicago
Kristina Klag
