The Japan assignment: Unleashing the power of people.

January 14, 2025

At Comet, we're all about growth and innovation - not just for our business, but especially for our employees. One of the ways we cultivate this endeavour is through international assignments, where colleagues can explore new territories and work with teams in other locations or countries. Our latest story draws us to the world of Comet Yokohama, Japan, where Catherine MacGillivray-Prantl, our Global Head of Talent Management & Culture, took on the challenge of a 6-month assignment as Country Manager ad interim.

The mission: bridging cultures.

Catherine's mission was to pave the way for Comet's continuous growth in the region. To achieve this, she focused on empowering the local team through training on values, running workshops, and improving processes. Additionally, Catherine successfully recruited a Country Manager to lead the team.

With her extensive experience leading global recruitment teams and working across diverse cultures, Catherine was the perfect fit for this role. She not only challenged the local team but also reported back to headquarter on how to improve the support for the locations, so we operate more united and empowered as one Comet.

Hey Catherine, how was your adventure in Japan?

Watch the interview and discover how international assignments can unleash the power of people and help us explore new territories at Comet.

"I've been learning how important it is to lean on others and to be curious about each other.” 

Catherine MacGillivray-Prantl
Global Head Talent Management & Culture

The value of international assignments.

This assignment is more than just a job; it's an adventure and a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture and way of life. Challenges are an integral part of this experience. For instance, Catherine had to navigate an unfamiliar language and find effective ways to communicate with her peers, while the local team also worked to understand her. These challenges, rather than being obstacles, are essential for fostering talent development, diversity, and global collaboration. 

What we stand for

At Comet, we stand for promoting our talents and creating an environment of growth and opportunity. That's why we launched our mobility program in 2021, with the goal of providing beneficial experiences for both the employee and the company. We believe that international assignments like Catherine's not only bring value to our company but also help us live our values and strengthen our sense of unity as we continue to grow and expand into new markets.

Could this be you?

Let’s explore together.

We are looking for ambitious and passionate people who want to collaborate to make a difference.

Latest Posts

60 years of RF innovation at Comet: Built on experience, driven by curiosity.

December 18, 2025

Comet’s journey in advanced technologies spans more than 75 years, beginning with X-ray sources in 1948. Since then, we’ve continuously expanded our expertise, adapting to new challenges and driving technological progress. This year, we celebrate 60 years of radio frequency (RF) innovations – a legacy that has shaped both our company and the semiconductor industry. How did a small Swiss laboratory spark this long-standing impact?

Read more

Our 2025 commitments: Creating impact worldwide.

December 17, 2025

Innovation at Comet goes beyond technology. In 2025, our employees across the globe joined forces to support causes that matter – from education and sustainability to diversity and inclusion. Here’s a glimpse at the difference we made.

Read more

Neethu and Ennio: Comet’s 20 Under 30 winners at Semicon Europa 2025

December 11, 2025

Two of Comet’s rising stars, Neethu and Ennio, have been recognized as 2025 Semicon Europa 20 Under 30 winners. Their curiosity, dedication, and innovative thinking are already shaping the future of semiconductors and inspiring the next generation of engineers. As proud sponsors of the award, we celebrate young professionals who are making a real impact in the industry. Discover their journeys, achievements, and insights in their own words below.

Read more