My first role was as a process engineer at Bekaert’s key learning plant in Dyersburg, Tennessee. I worked with colleagues from the US, Belgium and Brazil and led projects that would improve quality and reduce cost, as well as helping the operations team to solve challenges on the shopfloor. I developed my problem-solving skills, increased my knowledge of end-end processes and shaped my personality. In essence, I laid a basic technical foundation that I draw upon to this day.
After two years, I transferred to the Bekaert Technology Center in Belgium to manage projects in the rubber reinforcement domain. This is where I found my true calling…to be in R&D. Up until then I thought of myself as someone who would grow within operations.
In 2008 I transferred to the key learning plant in Aalter, Belgium. My dream come true! I was immensely attracted to the workplace culture, the possibility to industrialize new technology projects and groom young talent in technology for the first time in a leadership role. Global diversity continued to surround me with colleagues from Slovakia, Jordan, China and Mauritius, and I continued my passion for technology through the roles of global process owner of hose reinforcement wire and drawing dies.
Two years later, and after 18 years abroad, I returned to India to start the Bekaert India Technical Center in Pune. Now, in addition to combining technology engagement and people development, I also began working with our customers. From a cultural and professional view, this has been my most challenging assignment to date. Looking back, every step in my career progression at Bekaert has been a building block and the journey has been enjoyable, exciting and educational”.