Peter Van Aken
Betekom
Summary
Innovative business professional with focus on sustainable solutions. Strong expertise in highly regulated markets, different application areas (marine and decorative paints, overall material protection) in a Global and multicultural context. Leading for sustainable growth.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Marketing Director Antifouling Paints
Arxada AG
07.2021 - Current
- Grew business from 33 MCHF to > 40 MCHF
- Developed pipeline of sustainable solutions for this market field
- Created presentation for marketing campaign around sustainable solutions for marine paints
- Liaise and coordinate with technical and regulatory teams for project progress
- Business case analysis - feasibility studies of different scenario's/projects
- Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and target markets.
Director New Business Development Paints&Coatings
Lonza - Arxada
01.2019 - 03.2022
- Focus on growth products initiated in previous role
- Created platform of sustainable solutions for marine antifouling paints - UmiGard: antifouling solutions where actives are used more efficiently - patented
- Will double Antifouling paint business 50% in 5 years (on track)
- Mapped and identified gaps for developments in dry-film and in-can preservation (decorative paints)
- Implemented innovative business development strategies to increase customer base and expand market share for these segments
- Project management
- Cross functional coordination
Global Business Dir Antifouling and Aquaculture
Lonza
04.2013 - 12.2018
- P/L responsibility market segment
- Doubled profitability to over 45% gross margin
- Developed short and long term market strategy, using technical and regulatory expertise
- Short term: secured base business with long term supply agreements at global key accounts (75-80% market share)
- Long term: project pipeline to grow business 3-5x through new products and new applications (aquaculture) over next 5-10 years
- Monitored executive and site schedules to coordinate meetings and corporate events.
Business Director Material Protection Europe
Lonza
01.2012 - 03.2013
- Headed European Marketing and Sales team (13 people)
- Integrated Arch and Lonza's Material Protection product portfolio for the European region (Paints&Coatings, Marine Antifouling, Metalworking Fluids, Plastics and Textiles
- Set up sales and marketing team for Material Protection in new Microbial Control Organization.
- Prepared operational and salary budgets.
- Developed strategic plans and initiatives.
- Evaluated business data and reported findings to inform stakeholders.
Regional Sales Manager EMEA
Arch Chemicals - Lonza
11.2010 - 12.2011
- Achieved regional sales objectives by coordinating sales team, developing successful strategies in coordination with Global Marketing, and servicing accounts to strengthen business relationships.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships
- Generated detailed sales reports and forecasts to analyze performance and track progress.
- Participated in sales calls with direct reports to strengthen customer relationships and uncover possible opportunities for growth.
Global Key Account Manager
Arch Chemicals
04.2002 - 10.2010
- Built and maintained strong multi level and multi functional client relationships to drive business growth.
- Secured high-value accounts through consultative selling, effective customer solutions, and promoting compelling business opportunities.
- Facilitated strategic meetings with key stakeholders to understand customer needs and develop action plans.
- Developed thorough understanding of key clients' needs and requirements to prepare customized solutions.
- Developed Global Key Account plans
- Grew business 2.6x in Antifouling Paints and 3x in Metalworking Fluids
Sales & Distribution Manager Eastern Europe
Albemarle
01.1999 - 03.2002
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Bromine Fine Chemicals: CDMO - pharmaceutical and agro-intermediates
- Polymer additives (Flame retardants, catalysts, curing agents)
- Potassium products (commodity products)
- Managed distributors and agents in region for 3 segments
Sales Executive
Albemarle
04.1995 - 12.1997
- Took over market directly from distributors that were used up to then for this market.
- Managed and developed Bromine Fine Chemical customer portfolio in Benelux and Germany
- Negotiated and closed profitable sales contracts with new and existing customers to increase loyalty and retention.
Sales Executive
Allied Signal
06.1992 - 03.1995
- Specialty chemical business: PE wax additives used in Plastics, textiles, rubber, ink, polymer emulsions, coatings
- Area of responsibility: UK, Ireland and Scandinavia
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Negotiated and closed profitable sales contracts with new and existing customers to increase loyalty and retention.
Laboratory Assistant - QA Lab
Van Sluys & Bayet
10.1991 - 05.1992
- QA analysis of incoming petroleum products in port of Antwerp
Non-commissioned Officer
Belgian Army
10.1990 - 09.1991
- Mandatory Military service
- Coordinated rail transportation of military people and goods
Education
Postgraduate - Business Administration
University of Leuven
Leuven, Belgium06.1998
Master of Science - Biochemical Engineering
KIHA
Antwerp, Belgium06.1990
Skills
- Global Sales and Marketing
- Pipeline Planning
- Marketing Initiatives
- Customer Experience
- Customer Needs Assessments
- Pricing Strategies
- Industry Trends
- Marketing Strategy Development
- Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
- Product Management and Branding
- Strategic Initiatives
- Business Needs Analysis
- Product LifeCycle Management
Languages
Dutch
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
German
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Norwegian
Intermediate (B1)
Italian
Elementary (A2)
Spanish
Elementary (A2)
Japanese
Beginner (A1)
Chinese (Mandarin)
Beginner (A1)
Korean
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Global Marketing Director Antifouling Paints
Arxada AG
07.2021 - Current
Director New Business Development Paints&Coatings
Lonza - Arxada
01.2019 - 03.2022
Global Business Dir Antifouling and Aquaculture
Lonza
04.2013 - 12.2018
Business Director Material Protection Europe
Lonza
01.2012 - 03.2013
Regional Sales Manager EMEA
Arch Chemicals - Lonza
11.2010 - 12.2011
Global Key Account Manager
Arch Chemicals
04.2002 - 10.2010
Sales & Distribution Manager Eastern Europe
Albemarle
01.1999 - 03.2002
Sales Executive
Albemarle
04.1995 - 12.1997
Sales Executive
Allied Signal
06.1992 - 03.1995
Laboratory Assistant - QA Lab
Van Sluys & Bayet
10.1991 - 05.1992
Non-commissioned Officer
Belgian Army
10.1990 - 09.1991
Postgraduate - Business Administration
University of Leuven
Master of Science - Biochemical Engineering
KIHA
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