Xavier Rijmenans
MSc General Management, Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School, Electronic Engineering, ECAM, Brussels. Joined ICI Paints May 2003.
What were your first impression of ICI? What influenced you to join?
I was working in Belgium for another company before joining ICI. I had never heard about the company but knew the brands pretty well and I wanted to work for a leading international organisation. On my first day at ICI I had the opportunity to meet all the senior management in my business whose doors are always open to discuss about business issues or even personal ones. The reason why I joined ICI was its graduate scheme. I have had a real job with clearly defined responsibilities from day one and I know that what I do makes a difference to the business.
What is it like working at ICI? What are your colleagues like?
The marketing community is fairly young and enthusiastic. There is a culture of sharing ideas and helping each other. Even when we are trying to outperform our competitors, there is no competition amongst us. I've learned a lot from my colleagues and some of them have become good friends.
I joined the Trade Marketing department and decided to stay there during my whole placement in order to build a strong understanding of the Trade business. I've covered three different roles, starting with working on the Dulux Decorator Select scheme and the Dulux Trade Website. Following that I was in charge of the Dulux Trade colour services and then a Brand Manager looking after Glidden and Hammerite.
What are the main challenges you have faced and how have you overcome them?
Working in B2B Marketing is quite complex and really fascinating. Coming from Belgium I had to adapt myself to a new culture and language, but also I had to learn everything about a market where you cannot easily put yourself in your customers shoes. I managed to settle in easily by going out with our sales force and meeting as many customers as I could. I've also learned that relationships are the most valuable thing in our business. They enable us to grow and provide even better satisfaction for our customers.
What kind of training and development have you received?
ICI is very good at providing the training that I need. During the EGDP programme I attended 4 courses and since I joined ICI have attended several other courses in finance and negotiation skills, for example. Currently
I'm on the Marketing Advance Program which is provided to all ICI Paints marketers across the world and I'm studying for CIM. These courses are increasing my marketing knowledge.
What's next for you, i.e., what does the immediate future hold in store?
I've just moved to a new role in the Export business looking after the Middle East and Africa. This is basically a sales role, mainly business development and using my marketing background and experience to bring value to our customers.
