Female Leader 2017
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Mari Westerberg, Tallink Siljas Sales and Customer Service Director in Finland.
MARI WESTERBERG
urges young people to take part in decision-making and the development of their work community MEGASTAR, TALLINK’S NEW FAST FERRY, BLEW NEW WINDS INTO SHIP TRAVEL BETWEEN HELSINKI AND TALLINN WHEN IT BEGAN OPERATING ON THE ROUTE ON 29 JANUARY. THE BRAND NEW VESSEL SATISFIES PASSENGERS’ EXPECTATIONS, COMBINING ESTONIAN INNOVATION WITH FINNISH SHIPBUILDING SKILLS AND DESIGN.
M
ari Westerberg, Sales and Customer Service Director in Finland, is an experienced professional in tourism. She began her career in the restaurant sector and transferred to Tallink Silja some twenty years ago. Having performed various duties she found her way into the cruise business, and has been content in her present role for nearly a decade. “I keep things together and supervise 13 heads of department. I have around 300 subordinates in all. They have clear targets in mind and understand the measures required to reach them. The managers ensure the progress of work.” Westerberg can be characterised as a fair superior with strong opinions. “When a person finds a well-suited role, their work produces excellent results.”
In a fast-paced industry, service must function under all circumstances. The main task of customer service agents is to make passengers feel welcome. With sales going online and services becoming digital, there is less demand for traditional work tasks. They have been replaced by new duties that attract young people in particular. Westerberg appreciates her dynamic employer for offering good development opportunities. Every year, Tallink Silja offers summer jobs, both onshore and offshore, to hundreds of young people. Many of them stay with the company. “The younger generation expects their employer to offer flexibility, individual treatment, and a spirit of community. For workplaces to offer more of these elements, I
hope to see young people actively take part in developing their work community and aspire towards managerial positions.” ●
PRODUCED BY TAKEOFF CONSULTING GROUP (PART OF CALCUS.COM )
Customised to the Helsinki-Tallinn route, the superb Megastar has proved to be a big hit.
“A day trip to Tallinn is also a good stopover activity for airline travellers. From the airport, you can easily take the train into Helsinki, ride the tram to the ferry terminal and get on the ship.” - Mari Westerberg