Portrait: Martin Hoch

Angi: Hi Martin, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions.

Martin: Hello Angi, sure—I’m curious to see what you’re going to ask.

Angi: To start, let’s dive into your hometown: Where do you live, and what do you like about that place?

Martin: I live in a small village called Kennelbach near Bregenz. My brother and I bought the property in 2010, and the reason we chose this place was primarily the unspoiled views over the Rheintal, the Swiss mountains, etc. This setting offers a unique balance, as we are far enough away from the hectic of a larger city but still close enough to enjoy it occasionally.

Angi: That’s what I like about Vorarlberg in general, small cities, but still plenty of nature without the rush. Shifting from your home to your professional journey, tell me a bit about some interesting aspects of your career.

Martin: Before joining Identec Solutions, I worked for Liebherr Cranes in Nenzing/Austria, where I was allowed to move abroad. From 2001 to 2006, I lived in Sunderland, working as a Service Supervisor for the Oil & Gas Industry. After deciding to open a new chapter, I moved to Aberdeen and lived there until 2015, first working as Business Development Manager for a hydraulic engineering company, and later as a Crane Superintendent for a subsea construction company. Throughout this time, these roles allowed me to travel the world, with multiple visits to Australia, Mexico, the US, Canada, Ghana, Congo, Vietnam, Norway and New Zealand, to name a few. I’ll leave out the not-so-nice places.

Angi: That’s quite an international journey and a wealth of experience. Building on that, how has working in different countries shaped your approach to leadership today?

Martin: In Europe, we have a standard approach to tackling work or issues. That’s different depending on which part of the world you are in. Different cultures bring different approaches to how things are done. You need to learn to accept, adapt, and make the best of any given situation.

Angi: Getting closer to today, what do you do at Identec Solutions, and when did you start?

Martin: I started at Identec in 2015 as Head of Professional Services EMEA, where I was managing projects in the Marine & Ports and Automotive industries. Building on that experience, since February 2026, I have been working as the Chief Operating Officer responsible for production, supply chain and project execution worldwide.

Angi: That’s an impressive progression within our company. Congrats again! Looking ahead, what are the key priorities or goals you have in your role as COO?

Martin: For me, the new role is a huge challenge as there is a lot to learn. For 2026, I have set myself three overarching goals:

1. Understand and optimise our supply chain.
2. Rebuild our production pipeline.
3. Assess and adjust the global PRS team.
   

Angi: Looking at your daily work, what do you like the most about your job?

Martin: I love dealing with the challenges we face on a day-to-day basis, especially when it comes to finding solutions and executing them to ensure our products succeed for our customers.

Angi: That problem-solving aspect really comes through. With that in mind, do you have a guiding principle at work?

Martin: My guiding principle is leading through effective delegation. A team needs trust, not micromanagement, and team members need to have the opportunity to grow in their roles, so we can form them into future leaders in our organisation.

Angi: That leadership philosophy sounds very empowering. Thinking about your experience so far, what is the most rewarding part of your job?

Martin: Over the past decade, we have faced issues on multiple fronts, and we managed to solve them as a team. What stands out is that nobody was hiding; all hands were on deck to get the job done.

Angi: That team spirit is clearly a big part of our work here. Reflecting on your career so far, is there a particular moment or project that had a lasting impact on you?

Martin: On a personal/professional level, I would say my first boss in Aberdeen. Truly old-school but visionary at the same time. At the project level, prior to Identec, a crane refurbishment was the first major win for the company in Aberdeen. Here at Identec, there is only one project that has had a lasting impact at all levels. The good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between. But as a team, we managed, and in the end, it became a success story.

Angi: We have five core company values – Visionary, Open, Responsible, Leading and Global. Which one is the most significant for you, and how do you live it?

Martin: For me, it is Leading and Global. As mentioned before, it comes down to trust in people, leading by example and having the opportunity to work with our global team on supplying our outstanding products.

Angi: That ties in nicely with everything you’ve shared so far. For people starting their careers at Identec Solutions, what advice would you give them to grow and succeed within the company?

Martin: Starting a new position is a learning experience, and the best way to grow is by asking questions and actively listening. You’re not learning anything when you’re talking, so take the time to absorb insights from colleagues at all levels. Be humble, seek help when needed, and show that you value others’ experiences and opinions. And most importantly, don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Everyone makes them. Don’t hide them—own them, fix them and don’t make the same mistake twice.

Angi: Finally, outside of work, what do you do in your free time – any hobbies or passions?

Martin: During winter, I play tennis three times a week, which I really enjoy. But I must admit, my true passion lies with the game of golf. As Walter Hagen once said: “Golf is the most fun you can have without taking your clothes off.”

Angi: That sounds like a great way to recharge. Martin, thank you for your time and for sharing your journey and insights with us—it’s great to see the people behind Identec Solutions.

Martin: Thank you, Angi—appreciate the time and the great questions. 

Image sources:
Martin Hoch