From Use Cases to Roadmap Leading Digital Transformation at Henkel | Enver Yuecesan & Nick Miesen

Why It Matters

It shows that outcome‑driven, governance‑centric digital transformation can turn abundant sensor data into measurable business value, a critical blueprint for large manufacturers facing complex, multi‑industry demands.

Key Takeaways

• Start digital projects with desired business outcomes, not data collection.
• Henkel's adhesive division needed efficiency to meet quality, speed, cost goals.
• Leadership emphasized value creation over tech hype, driving continuous improvement.
• Successful rollout used hub‑spoke model, regional spokes and centralized governance.
• Change‑agent mindset and cross‑functional orchestration are critical for transformation.

Summary

The video outlines Henkel’s digital transformation in its adhesive technologies division, with Enver Yuecesan and former digital lead Nick Miesen explaining the strategic framework and implementation experience.

They argue that successful digital projects must begin with clear business outcomes, reverse‑engineer the decisions needed, and then define the data and dashboard requirements—rather than starting by collecting data. Henkel’s complex, multi‑industry supply chain demanded high quality, rapid response, and cost efficiency, prompting a value‑focused, continuous‑improvement drive.

Nick emphasizes that a change‑agent, generalist mindset is essential; technology enthusiasm alone won’t suffice. He describes a hub‑spoke governance model—central hub in Singapore leveraging local talent, with regional spokes tailoring roadmaps to differing maturity levels—built on a common vision and finite‑budget prioritization.

The case illustrates how aligning digital initiatives with outcome‑driven design and strong cross‑functional orchestration can unlock efficiency and scalability for large, complex manufacturers, offering a replicable blueprint for peers.

Original Description

INTHECASE, 12 May 2026, 1.00 PM CET by https://digital.insead.edu

What does it take to lead digital transformation across a large and highly diverse operations network? In this INSEAD INTHECASE webinar, Enver Yücesan speaks with Nick Miesen, co-author of the Henkel Adhesive Technologies: The Digital Transformation Journey and the executive who led the transformation effort within Henkel. They discuss how to define a roadmap, choose the right use cases and align digital investments with business goals across a global manufacturing footprint of around 120 production sites. The case highlights a central leadership challenge: not how to adopt every technology available, but how to make disciplined choices that create value at scale.

Why participate?

• Learn how Henkel approached digital transformation across a highly complex global operations network

• Understand how to move from technology possibilities to a practical roadmap tied to business goals

• Hear directly from the case author and executive behind the transformation effort

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