At university, Pim learned to lead and negotiate – skills that have proven essential in his career.
Location: Lyondell European Headquarters, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Year joined Lyondell: 1998
Education: HTS (mechanical engineering), Rotterdam, 1989
After hours: Photography and gardening
Favorite dessert: Crème brûlée with lime blossom
At Lyondell, Pim develops, leads and executes information technology infrastructure projects across Europe.
“As project leader, I work to make sure that projects are making progress within budget, on time and according to requirements,” he said. “The goal is to get the best results in the interest of the company against the lowest costs.”
Pim has always been a bit analytical – a must for someone in his role. He provides project management assistance that ensures “our business leaders can work effectively.” Finding – and sometime carving out – your role within the organization is a key to success, he said.
The heart of our company is the culture.
“Know where you are in the chain of operations and see what you can do differently to improve the process,” he advises newcomers. “A small step implemented by your site can mean major improvements to the organization worldwide.”
Pim also learned long ago, he said, that company culture makes a major impact throughout the organization as well. Describing culture as the “heart of our company,” he says Lyondell’s culture has made a lasting impression on him.
“I’m still amazed that a young chemical company such as Lyondell has created such a strong message,” he said. “I’ve witnessed how employees welcome this culture.”