C-Suite Talks

Frans Woelders (Danske Bank) on digital transformation

Geert van den Goor, Group Managing Partner at Valcon, talks to Frans Woelders, COO at Danske Bank, to learn more about his remarkable journey in banking.

After driving digital transformation at Royal Bank of Scotland, he tackled challenges head-on as COO at Danske Bank. Under his leadership, Danske Bank emerged from a tumultuous period, implemented agile strategies, and now, he’s pioneering in generative AI, poised to revolutionise banking. 

Joost Neils (BAM Group) on sustainable construction

Royal BAM Group is leading the way in sustainable construction. Learn how their strategic focus on sustainability is transforming the industry and positioning the company as a market leader.

In this inspiring interview with Valcon’s Eelco Simon, BAM Group’s COO, Joost Nelis, shares the company’s remarkable progress in reducing CO2 emissions and its commitment to a greener future. 

Focus on technological flexibility

In a revealing interview, Valcon‘s Eelco Simon unlocks the secrets behind AS Watson Benelux remarkable supply chain transformation.

He sits down with Yvette Heijwegen, Supply Chain Director and the mastermind architect who has driven significant advancements since joining in 2015. Heijwegen delves into the strategies that have maximised capacity, flexibility, and efficiency for AS Watson.

What makes an efficient logistics chain?

HEMA has thrived under new ownership since 2020 and by 2022, profits have soared to 31.6 million euros. What implications does this have for the logistical operations, the crucial backbone of any efficiently operating retail company?
 
In our latest C-Suite Talks, Valcon‘s Eelco Simon talks to HEMA’s Chief Technology Officer Pieter Heij.

Productive sparring makes a difference

We’re thrilled to share this inspiring interview between Valcon‘s Bianca den Elsen and Essimari Kairisto, a beacon of transformative leadership and strategic acumen.

With a distinguished trajectory in finance and executive roles, including CFO at Hochtief Solutions, Essimari’s current tenure as a supervisory director at TenneT and Fugro marks a significant accolade.

Simplifying Sligro’s logistic challenge

Gerrit Buitenhuis, Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) at hospitality wholesaler Sligro Food Group, emphasises that his focus lies on achieving just three objectives:

✔ selecting the finest suppliers
✔ maintaining internal organisational efficiency, and
✔ ensuring proper transportation to customers

Gerrit discusses with Valcon’s Eelco Simon how he intends to maintain a practical approach to achieving these three objectives.

How IKEA embraced technology to become a digital leader

IKEA has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding its brick-and-mortar roots to become a thriving online homeware destination, accessible around the clock. This rapid digitalisation, while driven by the embrace of technology, has not been without its challenges. 

Chief Digital Officer Wim Blaauw talks to Valcon‘s Vincent Wormer in our latest C-Suite Talks. He acknowledges both the opportunities and risks that accompany this digital evolution, emphasising that IKEA’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion must remain steadfast amidst the integration of artificial intelligence.

Company culture is key to success

In an exclusive interview with Valcon’s Susanne Guntermann, Robeco‘s #CEO, Karin van Baardwijk shares her vision for the future of the company. She talks about the importance of innovation, customer focus and employee engagement in driving their success.

Karin also discusses the challenges and opportunities that they face in the coming years, and how they’re positioned to overcome them.

Bridging the labour gap: a talent centric approach

Valcon’s Bianca den Elsen recently caught up with Dominique Hermans, Chief Executive Northern Europe at Randstad as she shared her perspectives on the dynamic landscape of the international labour market.

In our exclusive interview in Management Scope, Dominique discusses:

• Structural labour shortages and the supply-demand mismatch are pressing challenges across Europe.
• Shifting from traditional roles, the focus is on talent-centric solutions -recognising talents rather than conventional employer-employee labels.
• Four-pronged approach: skilling, tapping into untapped labour potential, cross-border strategies, and leveraging technology.

The changing role of COOs

While the specific duties and challenges of a COO can vary from company to company, there are undoubtedly common threads that bind these top executives. Valcon and Management Scope invited COOs from leading businesses to come together to delve into the shared experiences and evolving roles of these dynamic leaders.