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LOCAL PRESENCE
Our multicultural sales force in the field
Thanks to our multicultural Sales force, one of our strengths is our local service. They provide on-site personal service for a vast territory in and beyond Europe.
Our sales force from multicultural backgrounds covers a broad geographical area in Europe, Africa and the Middle East and is close to our customers. These Syvecolleagues are on the road 50% of their time to visit you.
Jointly with our customer service and technical sales team, they are on the front line and work tirelessly for high customer satisfaction, one of our top priorities. Through our long experience, we have gained profound market knowledge of all territories we do business with. This local presence gives our team direct and more personal contact.
You can check our complete teams by geographical area.
Stéphane LACOSTE
Romania (South & East), Italy
Krzysztof KOZIK
Poland (East)
Anders MØLLER
Nordic countries, Austria, Baltic States
Rumen BARBUTOV
Bulgaria, Greece, Albania
Valery DIMITROV
Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia
Interview
Taoufik DHOUIB
Middle East, North Africa
Stéphane CHARZAT
Sub-Saharan Africa
Cédric AUVRAY
Spain (Andalusia)
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Geronimo HENDRICKS Our Sales Executive for the UK & Ireland
Originally from South Africa, Geronimo has various international and professional experiences. His appreciation for French culture eventually brought him to France a few years ago. How would you describe yourself? I am generally a private person, but I am also driven and know what it takes to achieve my goals. I remain realistic and apply this mindset to everyday life. I left South Africa in 2004 for more opportunities in England and then moved to France in 2015 with little knowledge of the French language at the time. What is your professional background? I completed a diploma in technical drawings in South Africa and later obtained a Marketing and Business Administration degree in the UK. I furthermore have a diploma in administration and commerce from a French business school. I worked as an architectural assistant in South Africa. After arriving in the UK, I joined a UK manufacturer and was responsible for the concessions and export accounts for ten years. My experience in France includes working as a product quality controller and as an export manager in the HVAC industry. My new job at Syveco allows me to combine all my past experiences, and I am thrilled to start my role and see what the future holds! How would you briefly explain your job at Syveco? As an ambassador for Syveco and the Thermador Groupe, I aim to promote the organisation’s quality products and its high sense of customer service. I look forward to continuing the good job that has been done during the last few years, and hopefully, I will be able to travel soon to meet my customers. Do you have a motto? Every day is a new start, a new adventure and I am eager to see what the day might bring. If I had a motto, it would probably be “Never give up” - life is about perseverance and taking calculated risks. What are you passionate about? I am passionate about continual improvement and discovering new places. I have spent many years in different countries, and these experiences have taught me valuable life lessons and helped me appreciate the present.
Gerhard MARITZEN Our Sales Executive for the German market
Gerhard Maritzen is our Sales Executive for the German market. A native of the Rhineland, he holds a degree in mechanical engineering and is fluent in German and English. He has accumulated extensive experience in international environments within the agricultural, drive, and energy technology sectors. Now, he represents Syveco in Germany. How would you describe yourself? Adventurous and always ready to explore and learn something new. Do you have a motto? Never give up on realising your dreams. What are you passionate about? Sailing and travelling are my passions. How would you briefly describe your work at Syveco? As Sales Executive, I manage clients across Germany, regularly travelling to different regions to maintain contact and provide updates. Feedback and customer preferences are crucial to optimising our operations, offering the right products, and uncovering new opportunities. I frequently visit our headquarters in France for training sessions and to meet colleagues. Working in this dynamic Syveco team is enjoyable. What is your professional background? After 20 years of experience as an engineer in outside sales, primarily in drive technology, I sought a new challenge with better career opportunities in Germany, alongside friendly colleagues and clients and a more extensive territory to manage. Having spent the last 11 years with an international company with production facilities in France, SYVECO aligned perfectly with my aspirations. I appreciate the multicultural collaboration that SYVECO offers.
Isabelle LEPRÊTRE Our Sales Executive for the Netherlands
Isabelle, who is Franco-Dutch and from the northern part of the Netherlands, grew up in a multicultural environment. Her native languages are Dutch and French, and she is proficient in English and German. She joined the Syveco team as a Sales Executive for the Netherlands. What is your educational background? What degree do you have? I obtained a Master’s degree in Marketing & Distribution in Paris and a degree in European Development Assistance for SMEs and mid-sized companies in Lyon. What is your professional background? I have worked for over 25 years in the industrial sector across the Benelux countries, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, specializing in export development for small and medium-sized companies. I was looking for a company with a multicultural environment where openness, human kindness, and environmental issues are essential. So, it was a clear choice when I was offered the opportunity to join Syveco, especially as a Sales Representative for the Netherlands. How would you briefly describe your work at Syveco? As a Sales Executive responsible for the Netherlands, I visit the area regularly to get to know the clients, offer our most suitable products, discuss challenges, explore developing sectors, and improve our services—in other words, to meet their needs. Identifying potential for growth and finding new clients is also part of my responsibilities. Based near the company, I am also frequently in the office, facilitating communication with my colleagues and enriching our teamwork. Additionally, the work environment at Syveco is enjoyable. How would you briefly describe your work at Syveco? As Sales Executive, I manage clients across Germany, regularly travelling to different regions to maintain contact and provide updates. Feedback and customer preferences are crucial to optimising our operations, offering the right products, and uncovering new opportunities. I frequently visit our headquarters in France for training sessions and to meet colleagues. Working in this dynamic Syveco team is enjoyable. How would you describe yourself? Independent, open, honest, committed, curious, persistent, and serious. Do you have a motto? Believe in yourself.
Miroslava FUSTE Our Export Sales Representative for the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Miroslava has joined the Syveco team as an Export Sales Representative for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. With a Master's degree in Commercial Law obtained in Slovakia and continuous training in France, she brings nearly 20 years of experience in Climate Engineering. She aims to boost our presence in these markets and meet our clients' needs. What is your educational background? What degree do you have? I was born in Slovakia and grew up speaking both Slovak and Czech. I obtained a Master's degree in Commercial Law in Slovakia and later pursued continuous technical and commercial training in France. What is your professional background? With nearly 20 years of experience in climate engineering in France, I have gained substantial technical and commercial expertise in various industrial groups. Today, at Syveco, I am committed to contributing to the development and growth of the market in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, marking my return to my country of origin. How would you briefly describe your work at Syveco? I am a Sales Executive responsible for managing relationships with our clients in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. I spend 50% of my time visiting current clients, promoting our products, and understanding their needs. I also identify new clients and assess their potential. I regularly update my knowledge of new products to provide optimal solutions for projects, aiming to contribute to our company's growth in these countries. How would you describe yourself? I am a serious person, always determined to achieve my goals. My attentive listening skills allow me to understand others' needs, strengthening my relationships. My unwavering ambition drives me to evolve and excel in everything I undertake continuously. Do you have a motto? Unwavering determination, every obstacle is an opportunity to grow. What are you passionate about? Swimming and travelling.
Julie ANDRES Our Sales Executive for Austria and Switzerland
Julie joined our team of Sales Executives in 2023. She is responsible for the Swiss and Austrian markets. She has always been drawn to international affairs, including studies and internships abroad. Her background includes significant involvement in international trade, and now she's part of the Syveco team. What is your educational background? What degree do you have? My academic journey reflects my passion for international experiences. In addition to my native language, French, I am fluent in English and German, and I understand Spanish. I started with a high school diploma in the European section, specialising in German, followed by a degree in Marketing Techniques that included a semester of studies in Germany and an internship in the packaging industry. Later, I earned a Bachelor's degree in International Management in English, with a semester in Finland. What is your professional background? My passion for the international environment and my ambition to develop my career in exports led me to Syveco. I have gained experience in developing and managing distributor networks for exports, particularly in personal protective equipment, where I focused on the DACH and Central Europe regions. How would you briefly describe your work at Syveco? As a Sales Executive, my role is to create, build, and develop relationships with our distributors in Austria and Switzerland. I regularly visit them, since I am on the road 50% of my time. How would you describe yourself? Originally from Champagne, I am enthusiastic, positive, and enjoy adapting to various situations. I am very open-minded and passionate about export and international exchanges. Do you have a motto? Everyone smiles in the same language. What are you passionate about? Playing tennis; I dream of having Nadal's topspin. Trying new restaurants; I love searching for new concept places, discovering new flavours, and types of cuisine.
Pierre HORSTMANN Our Sales Executive for the Belgian-Luxembourgish market
Fluent in French, Dutch, English, and German, with a good knowledge of Luxembourgish, Pierre is passionate about client relationships. Educated in Dutch and with a British father, Pierre has a natural aptitude for languages. He has extensive international experience in industrial maintenance, handling, and the gas industry. Pierre has worked in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Scandinavia. What is your educational background? What degree do you have? My academic journey reflects my passion for international experiences. In addition to my native language, French, I am fluent in English and German, and I understand Spanish. I started with a high school diploma in the European section, specialising in German, followed by a degree in Marketing Techniques that included a semester of studies in Germany and an internship in the packaging industry. Later, I earned a Bachelor's degree in International Management in English, with a semester in Finland. How would you describe yourself? I am passionate and driven, and I enjoy discovering new cultures. Do you have a motto? Either I win, or I learn. What are you passionate about? Gastronomy, especially Lyon's cuisine, has become a big part of my culture. I've also been a golfer for over 30 years and still regularly play the sport. What is your professional background? With over ten years of experience in the golf industry, I became a key account manager in the industrial sector. I eagerly accepted this opportunity to leverage my language skills. I was fortunate to work in Luxembourg within a group that enabled me to move across Europe. Recently, I relocated to the Lyon region and sought an international company where I could continue to utilize my sales skills and languages. Syveco provided me with that opportunity. How would you briefly describe your work at Syveco? As an external Sales Executive, I manage the Belgian and Luxembourgish markets. I visit existing clients and also prospect new markets. My tasks include maintaining customer relationships and gathering market information to ensure competitiveness against our competitors. This job is exciting as it combines interpersonal contact to ensure customer satisfaction.
Valery DIMITROV Our Sales Executive for the Adriatic region
Valery has been our Sales Executive for the Adriatic region since 2023. He left his native Bulgaria to study in France. His background includes extensive experience in international environments, and now he is part of the Syveco team. What is your educational background? What degree do you have? I completed part of my studies in Strasbourg at the Faculty of Science and Economics and then in Brest, where I obtained a Master's in International Business Management. Besides my native language, Bulgarian, I am fluent in French and English and am making significant progress in Croatian and Serbian. What is your professional background? I have always been in charge of sales, primarily abroad (Bulgaria, parts of the Western Balkans, and French-speaking Switzerland), often for French companies. At Syveco, I have the opportunity to work in the region of the former Yugoslavia. The way of working, culture, mentality, and language are very similar to those in Bulgaria. I am a negotiator and salesperson at heart. It's my dream job! How would you briefly describe your work at Syveco? I work within a very close-knit and international team. Thanks to my business trips every other week, I stay close to my clients. I listen to their needs and support them. With my manager, we define the sales strategy; I set the conditions for the clients, monitor their sales and margins, negotiate, and sometimes make offers. Client visits allow me to build loyalty and increase revenue in my sectors. How would you describe yourself? I consider myself an amiable person devoted to my family. I also have a passion for travel and spending time with friends. Do you have a motto? Nothing ventured, nothing gained! What are you passionate about? Professionally, I have a passion for sales! Outside of work, I am very interested in economics and the economic development of countries. I also do some sports and am passionate about major football competitions. A fun fact about yourself? I sold doughnuts on the French Riviera as a student job!
Jean-Denis BLANC Our Sales Executive for Spain and Portugal
Jean-Denis has been part of the SYVECO journey for the past few years. He is our Sales Executive for the Spanish and Portuguese markets. Originally from the Hautes-Alpes region of France, Jean-Denis is a skilled polyglot who speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and English fluently, in addition to his native French, which allows him to navigate easily in an international environment. What is your education and qualification? I have a degree from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce in Marseille, followed by a Master's in International Business. What is your professional background? After ten years of working in retail and aerospace in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico), I returned to France but continued to manage Spanish-speaking accounts. I first worked for a distributor of special alloys, which led me to the industrial valve sector, first with a manufacturer of trunnion ball valves and then at SYVECO. How would you briefly describe your role at Syveco? As a Sales Executive, I am responsible for the Spanish and Portuguese markets, primarily in the industrial sector. My job is to introduce our product ranges to customers, identify their needs, and make their purchasing experience with SYVECO as smooth as possible. How would you describe yourself? I am very open and sociable. For me, the human aspect, even in business, is essential. Do you have a motto? "Never do to others what you wouldn't want done to you, but never let others decide your life for you." What are you passionate about? Discovery. Whether it's people, places, cultures, tastes, or sounds. A fun fact about yourself? I have what the French call "la tête en l'air" (literally "head in the air"), which has led me to leave home in my slippers on several occasions as a child. As an adult, it has also meant leaving a broken pane of glass in my back door so I can get in when I forget (which happens often!) my keys.
Horatiu DARABUS Our Area Sales Manager for Central and Eastern Europe
Horatiu has been our Area Sales Manager for Central and Eastern Europe since 2023. Originally from Romania, he studied in France, acquiring a solid finance and international administration background. He started as a Sales Manager for Syveco in 2015 and now plays a key role within the Syveco team, coordinating projects in Central and Eastern Europe. What is your education and qualification? I obtained a bachelor's degree in Finance and Banking from the University of Timisoara in Romania. Then, I had the opportunity to study at the University of Paris-Est Créteil on the ERASMUS programme, where I completed a Master's degree in International Administration and Exchanges, specialising in International Relations and Governance. What is your professional background? Before joining Syveco, I worked in communication and event organisation for the ASJ (Accueil Solidarité Jeunes) association. How would you briefly describe your role at Syveco? I coordinate a team of four people, each responsible for several Central and Eastern European countries. I also contribute to the strategic development of Romania's western region. How would you describe yourself? I see myself as a conductor of commercial exchanges, guiding a team of professionals specialised in various countries in Central and Eastern Europe. I juggle development strategies while bringing innovative ideas to the western region of Romania. Do you have a motto? Failure is merely the beta version of success. What are you passionate about? I am passionate about travelling and love discovering new horizons and creating unforgettable memories with my family during hikes or urban explorations. A fun fact about yourself? I grew up with my grandparents in the countryside of Transylvania, which gave me a few regionalisms in my speech. When I started school in the city, I had to 'polish' my vocabulary with the help of one of my father's colleagues.
Wojciech Surowy Our Sales Executive for Western Poland
Meet Wojciech, our representative for Western Poland. He brings his expertise to our clients with a strong background in materials science and extensive experience in the sanitary installations industry. Discover his journey and what drives him every day. What is your educational background? What degree do you have? I completed five years of study at the University of Economics in Poznań, Poland, specialising in the Faculty of Materials Science. I am a qualified quality science engineer. I also completed a one-year postgraduate course in project management. What is your professional background? I started working in the production director's office of a cosmetics manufacturing plant. After a year, I transitioned to the sanitary installations sector, where I have remained ever since. I spent three years as a marketing manager in a major French group before dedicating more than ten years to promoting water supply systems in Poland. In 2023, I joined the SYVECO team. How would you briefly describe your role at Syveco? The challenges clients present daily motivate me to find the best solutions. Fortunately, with the support of my colleagues and a wide range of products, I can provide clients with the most suitable answers to their needs at the best price. How would you describe yourself? I am an optimist, passionate about life and curious about the world. Do you have a motto? "Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm." W. Churchill What are you passionate about? Science and nature. A fun fact about yourself? I was born on Monday, 28 April 1980, at 12:15 am. The weekend had just ended—some people were feeling a little down, while others were recovering from a night of partying. Summer 1980 was approaching, and temperatures were starting to rise. In the United States, Call Me by Blondie topped the charts. Jimmy Carter was president, and in less than a month, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing was set to meet Leonid Brezhnev in Warsaw. It was also the year stainless steel ball valves were introduced into Sferaco's product range.
Gàbor HORVÁTHY Our Sales Executive for the Hungarian market
Since childhood, Gábor has actively participated in both French and Hungarian cultures. He was born in Budapest and grew up in France. In October 2011, he joined Syveco as a Sales Executive. Today, as an expatriate employee, he lives in Hungary with his family. What is your educational background? What degree do you have? I obtained a Master's degree in Business Management Administration in 2012 (Lyon 3 University / Budapest University of Technology and Economics). I also hold a degree in Industrial Marketing and Sales from Orléans Business School. I began my studies in 2005, initially specialising in Materials Science and Engineering, before further focusing on Industrial Production Management and Continuous Improvement at Tours University. What is your professional background? I worked as a Technical Sales Manager in France for two years before moving to Hungary. As part of a one-year logistics project, I worked for a company in France. In 2007, I also had a short experience in Hungary, working in the quality department of a porcelain manufacturing company. How would you briefly describe your work at Syveco? My primary role is to support our Hungarian clients daily, handling their on-site challenges while coordinating with the Syveco team in France. I contribute to the commercial development of our business by fostering long-term, win-win partnerships with companies open to collaboration. Above all, I stay attentive to the needs of our local partners. How would you describe yourself? Naturally curious, I am always searching for the best possible solution. I have an open mind and a diplomatic approach. I'm also persistent and well-organised. My friends are very important to me. Do you have a motto? "Life is short—enjoy the present moment and appreciate what you already have to be as happy as possible." What are you passionate about? I love travelling worldwide, discovering new places, and learning new things. I'm passionate about sports in general and regularly practise table tennis and swimming. Since 2005, I have also been a member of the governing board of the Amitiés Touraine-Hongrie association. A fun fact about yourself? When my hair grows long, it becomes curly!
Horatiu DARABUS
Romania (North, West)
Stéphane LACOSTE
Romania (South, East), Italy
Wojciech SUROWY
Poland (West)
Krzysztof KOZIK
Poland (East)
Geronimo HENDRICKS
UK & Ireland
Anders MØLLER
Nordic countries, Austria, Baltic States