Interview with Vincent Hurel
Balancing the needs of society, the environment and economy
“D
eeper relationships, higher growth, powered by our partnership” – this is ABB’s message to the market. But this is more than just a tagline, this is a commitment made by ABB to its partners, customers, and overall business. One of the best-known market players in the industry, ABB is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. Mr. Vincent Hurel, Group Distribution Channel Leader, took his time to better explain ABB’s sustainability strategy and more.
Dear Mr. Hurel, you are a constant friend and supporter of EUEW and its activities. Please tell us a bit more about your career path at ABB and what inspires you to be an active participant at the events organized by the European Union of Electrical Wholesalers? ABB is an active participant at EUEW events because distributors deliver continuity across our sales force and are at the heart of our success. In Europe, more than 60 percent of our business is made together with distributor’s partners so it makes sense that our effort and focus is on supporting them. Our role is to ensure we provide everything our partners need, that we are easy to do business with and that we empower distributors to meet common end customer’s needs through shared expertise, education and expectations. I have been with ABB for 30 years and it is my belief that people, innovation, collaboration and mutual trust are at the heart of any successful business. Distribution is a people business and distributors are an extension of our team. What makes this business so exciting is working in partnership with them to increase market reach and footprint. At its heart, the distribution business is very much a local business. So, while our offerings and reach are global, our approach is about unique relationships and meeting country specific needs. Together we bring the best value to our end customers.
Vincent Hurel Group Distribution Channel Leader for ABB
ABB is well known as a top leader in different industries, constantly transforming the society and providing cutting edge technologies. What are the ingredients for this recipe of innovation? We believe that innovation in safe, smart and sustainable electrification means progress towards a healthier and more prosperous world for future generations. This means balancing the needs of society, the environment and economy. The secret to success is to embed this approach in everything we do, in order to create long-term value. It is a mindset. This starts with helping our customers reduce their emissions and preserve resources, which is where we make the biggest impact. We also consider our own operations, our suppliers and the communities we serve. We strive always to be an exemplary corporate citizen wherever we operate. To stand out, we need to keep pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation, as we have done for the last 130 years. Only by trial and error can we develop cutting edge technologies. We believe in curiosity, courage and collaboration – three of our four values which shape the culture of ABB for the future, serving the market together with distributors the way customers want to buy.
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