Thomas Rabijns & Martijn Vreys
Thomas Rabijns – Global Category Manager Strategic Sourcing at Bose – and Martijn Vreys – Finance manager Germany, France & Italy at Dermalogica – are both grandsons of Constant Vandersanden.
Thomas: “Even though I don’t work at Vandersanden myself, I think it’s extremely important that the family retains a link with the company. In the generation of my grandfather or our parents, almost everyone in the family was involved in the business, but in the fourth generation many people are choosing to work elsewhere. That is why, a few years ago, we decided to set up the Family Forum.”
Martijn: “Firstly, it is important that the family remains informed about Vandersanden, but, through the Forum, we also want to involve them. For example, the family was given the opportunity to visit a Vandersanden charity project in Uganda. Through the Family Forum, we want to ensure that the family can continue to motivate and value the company.”
A warm family
Thomas: “This sometimes happens in subtle ways. Vandersanden is a warm, close-knit family; we often speak to each other. It is nice to see how Vandersanden, as a company, works in the same way and stimulates the bond between employees.”
Martijn: “That’s right. I remember an event a few years ago where all the employees of our international branches came together. Many had never met physically, but there was a very comfortable atmosphere, almost like a family. That is where you feel the influence of our family. We must not let this go to waste.”
From generation to generation
Thomas: “This is crucial for the fifth generation, which will form an even larger family unit. They too must be able to feel connected to the Vandersanden company and the values of our family at all times. That is actually where the strength of the Family Forum lies. Thanks in part to the influence of these new generations, the company continues to evolve with the times.”
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About Vandersanden
Collective well-being
As a community participant, Vandersanden wants to contribute to the welfare of employees, clients, society, and the environment. We like to call this ‘collective well-being’, and it is shaped by four individual areas.
Careers at Vandersanden
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Academy
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