STRATEGY
SUEZ
Solving the toughest water and process challenges Geert Verstraeten, General Manager, Analytical Instruments business and Sievers product line, SUEZ – Water Technologies & Solutions
What is your background in the industry? I’m originally from Belgium and I studied to be a chemical engineer with a specialisation in biochemistry and biotechnology. When I started out, it was my goal to get into the biochemistry or biotechnology industry as a plant director but when I graduated from university, my first job was teaching chemistry, biology, and math. Teaching was a very good experience because it helped me to understand leadership. I realised how important it was to influence, motivate, and empower the students. I learned that this type of leadership role was a good fit for me so I decided to change my career path.
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P H A RM A F O C U S A S I A
ISSUE 41 - 2020
I joined Analytical Instruments in 1999, as the European Sales Manager. At that time, it was part of IONICS*. I had several fantastic and inspirational mentors where I learned the ropes and started building the sales team. We had success in growing the business and I moved up the ranks. Analytical Instruments was acquired by GE and finally by SUEZ. I’ve been with the company for 21 years, so I must love it! The things that motivate me are still the same:making the world a cleaner place, environmental sustainability, and most importantly, developing our fantastic people.
