The firm’s UK sales director on his 25 years with the company, his love of tall buildings, exploring the world and why he cannot possibly have any secret skills
Why did you choose construction as a career?
It was a happy accident! I started out working in sales and marketing for AkzoNobel, the Dutch multinational paint company. I then stumbled across a sales role at Scheldebouw (a Permasteelisa Group brand) and I have been working with tall buildings and their facades ever since.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
My contribution to shaping cities. Walking around my business home city of London and looking up at the buildings that the Permasteelisa Group has helped to create is a constant source of inspiration.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?
Leading an organisation through rough and tough times including the 2008-12 financial crisis and the last few years in the industry. A positive mindset has helped me through.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
How conservative it is. It takes a very long time to be able to innovate and make improvements for things like sustainability.
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
“Believe in your own strength.” A mantra given to me by my old boss and one that I often pass on to others.
Name your favourite building in the world?
For me it has to be 8 Bishopsgate next to 22 Bishopsgate in London. All because of my own personal history with the building and my memories of being awarded the project at a pivotal point in my career. Plus, it’s an icon and a fantastic addition to the City skyline.
Which famous building do you most dislike?
This is a tricky one! I appreciate all famous buildings, even if the architecture is not to my own taste… Let’s go with London City Airport, purely because I fly in and out of it so much – I get sick of the sight of it!
Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?
The Centre Pompidou in Paris because of its high-tech look and “inside-out” design and facade.
What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?
Take it steady. If it’s in you, it will come. In the meantime, get your head down, put the miles in, and just enjoy your work rather than trying to climb the ladder too quickly.
Who do you most admire in the construction industry?
The visionary world-renowned architects – the likes of Norman Foster, Renzo Piano and Frank Gehry – who constantly surprise us with their vision for change.
What is it like being you (and doing your job)?
There is a desire for absolute success and perfectionism. You need to be extremely passionate, which comes with its downfalls – we can’t win everything! So you need a sense of realism, too.
Do you have a life philosophy?
Treat people how you want to be treated.
What do you think your best quality is?
I am an open book. What you see is what you get.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?
For myself, it is impatience which can come out when I am under stress. In others, it is hidden agendas. Being Dutch, I prefer direct communication.
Name three things that you like
A bourgeois lifestyle, exploring the world, and success.
Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have
I am too open to have any secrets. Any skills I have, the whole world knows about!
What is your most prized possession?
My two daughters, aged 23 and 25. Not forgetting my wonderful wife back home!
Early bird or night owl?
Both! I wake up at 5am, and am up late in the evening, too.
What is your favourite food?
Asian food – sushi and noodles.
What would your superpower be?
Unlimited energy! Then there’d be no stopping me.
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