Meet Daniel Panian
Since joining feurstein as an apprentice many years ago, Daniel Panian has grown through a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Today, as Head of Sales Tobacco, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise, international experience, humor, and a deep appreciation for teamwork. As we celebrate 20 years of delfort, Daniel looks back on his journey, the people who shaped it, and the values that still drive him today.
Join us as Daniel reflects on his path.
Name
Daniel Panian
Position
Head of Sales Tobacco
Location
feurstein
team delfort since
2000
surprising fact
calm in private
Beyond the office
sports & nature enthusiast
How did your path unfold?
After finishing my apprenticeship, I jumped straight into production for a short period. But things really took off after I returned from military service and moved into the lab. That’s where I got my first taste of product development – and I was hooked from day one. Turning technical ideas into real solutions felt like magic.
What followed was more than eight years in product management, where I learned to connect technical requirements with customer needs and transform ideas into solutions that perform in the market.
My next step – moving into direct sales – was a completely different world: fast-paced, dynamic, and far outside my comfort zone. But that challenge ultimately shaped me the most and helped me grow both professionally and personally.
What I’ve always appreciated about feurstein is that development here isn’t about titles or degrees. It’s about commitment, reliability, and the willingness to take responsibility.
Despite having “only” completed an apprenticeship, I never felt held back. Quite the opposite: I was trusted, challenged, and given room to grow. That kind of trust gives you momentum. Of course, you still have to take the opportunities and be willing to take responsibility – but that’s always been a driving force for me.
Do you have a favorite early memory here?
Absolutely. Back in product development, we often ran trial runs on the paper machine late into the night. It was exhausting… but also unbelievably fun. My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) often wondered what on earth I was doing at work for so long. Anyone who knows a 24/7 paper machine knows it’s its own universe.
Looking back, those nights were full of learning, laughter, and real team spirit. It was more than a job – it was a phase where passion and collaboration were everything.
How has international work shaped you?
Working with people around the world has broadened my perspective in ways I couldn’t have imagined early in my career. Different cultures, different ways of thinking, different expectations – it all forces you to stay flexible and rethink your assumptions.
This kind of diversity helps you grow creatively and collaboratively. At delfort, that openness isn’t just a slogan – it’s something we live. And I’m grateful for that. It has shaped how I work, how I communicate, and how I understand people.
What makes your team special to you?
What I value most is the loyalty, sense of duty, and responsibility that so many colleagues embody. These are qualities that create trust – and trust is the foundation of any strong team.
I was also lucky to always have someone around who inspired me. Mentors who showed me how to handle challenges, how to stay focused, and what goals are worth striving for. Those role models have helped me find my own path and keep growing.
What guides you into the future?
I’m excited about the international challenges ahead – the world is changing quickly, and while these shifts aren’t always easy, they show what’s possible and bring a real sense of achievement. At the same time, I want to share my experience with the team and shape solutions together, because growth, responsibility, and teamwork go hand in hand for me. Thinking back to my apprentice days, I wouldn’t give my younger self advice – I’d simply listen and support. Early on, you need someone who supports you without steering every step. I was fortunate to have that, and today I try to pass on the same trust and guidance as we navigate the future together.
Join the paper Revolution
let's talk!
Curious about what it’s like to work with us? Reach out and discover who we are, what we do, and where you could fit in!
