Leticia “Lety” Quintana Arellano began her career at Hellmann in Marketing and Communications in Mexico, where she worked from 2019 to 2021. Driven by a strong desire to continue learning, she moved to Germany to pursue a Master’s in International Corporate Communications and Media Management. During her studies, she joined the Global Corporate Communications team in Osnabrück as a trainee. Currently, she serves as the personal assistant to Piotr Zaleski, Regional CEO East Europe. Although she is presently working remotely from Ulm, Germany, as she completes her master’s degree, Leticia plans to relocate to Vienna in December 2024 to join the team in person.

Hi Lety, what motivated you to move to Germany?

During my undergraduate studies in Mexico, I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Frankfurt (Oder). That experience sparked my love for German culture. The contrast between the vibrant life of Mexico City and the unique atmosphere in Germany was captivating. It was during that first visit that I planted the seed of a dream to return for a longer stay. So, when the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Germany arose, I knew it was the perfect time to make that dream a reality.

Has it been easy for you to integrate into your new work environment and the new country?

Integrating into the work environment in the Hellmann East Europe region has been a very positive experience. Since joining Piotr Zaleski’s team, I’ve received strong support and trust in my role as his assistant. I first met Piotr while working at Hellmann Mexico, and his familiarity with Mexican culture has greatly eased my transition to working in Europe. His leadership style has made each day in this new environment both enriching and enjoyable. The family-oriented culture at Hellmann, exemplified by Piotr and Christiane Brüning, Global Head of Corporate Communications, has been instrumental in helping me feel at home in these new surroundings.

What do you miss most from home?

What I miss most from home is undoubtedly the food. The flavors of Mexico are truly unique, and nothing compares to enjoying authentic tacos, enchiladas, or my favorite dish, pozole - a traditional soup that always brings me back to my roots. I also miss the vibrant energy and festive spirit of Mexico; our celebrations and traditions have a liveliness that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Despite these things, I appreciate the opportunity to share a bit of Mexican culture with my colleagues and friends here in Germany. I enjoy telling them about our traditions, and I even try my hand at cooking some Mexican dishes for them from time to time.

What do you love most about living in Germany?

There are many things I love about living in Germany. This country has allowed me to grow significantly, both personally and professionally. Life here is much more relaxed compared to the hustle and bustle of Mexico City. I truly appreciate the peace of being able to walk or bike without rushing. I also value the opportunity to meet people from diverse cultures, both through my work and in my daily life, which has broadened my perspective and keeps me constantly learning.

And, of course, I can’t forget to mention the food and beer. My favorite dishes are “Kartoffelsalat” (potato salad) and “Käsespätzle” (cheesy noodles, traditionally from Swabia in Southern Germany).

How does a perfect day in Ulm look like?

A perfect day in Ulm would be a sunny one. I love starting the day with a walk along the Danube, taking in the beautiful views of the river and the “Ulmer Münster” (a historic Lutheran church, famous for the tallest church tower in the world), which never fails to impress me.

In the afternoon, I’d head to Friedrichsau, the city’s largest park. I enjoy meeting up with friends there for a picnic, listening to music, and soaking in the park’s relaxed atmosphere. A swim in the lake would be the perfect way to round off the day.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! Is there anything else you would like to add before we say goodbye?

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible opportunities I've had to grow both personally and professionally at Hellmann. I feel truly fortunate to have worked in different countries and to have met so many wonderful people from diverse cultures. Each experience has enriched my life and helped me develop in ways I never imagined.

I’m especially excited about the future, as I prepare to move to Vienna to work more closely with the team in Austria. I am deeply thankful for the continued support I’ve received from my colleagues at every stage of my journey, and I’m ready to continue giving my best in everything I do!

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