After completing his toolmaking apprenticeship in 1974, Walter Graf worked for ten years in tool and mold making workshops. He subsequently he continued his studies in Australia and the UK and was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree (Honors). In 1992, he began as a Product Manager for super-abrasive grinding and dressing tools at Winterthur Technology Group, Switzerland, and before the purchase of Winterthur by 3M in 2011, he held the position of Chief Marketing Officer for the entire Winterthur Group. At 3M, his role changed to Global Segment Leader for bonded abrasives. Since January 2014, he holds the position of Marketing Manager for gear grinding machines at Reishauer AG, Switzerland.