In recent weeks, Jacco Vlaar has joined our IKAM team, taking on the role of Head of International Key Account Management, Transportation. Jacco will lead our transportation sales team, implementing and overseeing strategies for the rail, bus & coach and marine industries. We asked Jacco a little bit about himself, read the full interview below.

Hi Jacco, where do you come from?
I am a Dutch citizen but I just moved back to The Netherlands after living in Canada for nine years.

How long have you worked at Forbo Flooring Systems?
I have been with Forbo Flooring since 1992 in various international sales capacities. My previous position was National Sales Manager for Canada.

Can you give us a summary of your career experience so far?
My career experience revolves around various aspects of the sales process, but always in an international environment; from my first day with Forbo Flooring I have had the pleasure of interacting firsthand with customers and other stakeholders.  

What attracted you to the Transportation role with IKAM?
The growth opportunities in Transportation are tremendous any way you look at it, so this was really interesting to me. Moreover, I am looking forward to developing additional products to our current offering, helping to open more doors and give our team access to more sub segments.

Fred (left) & Bob (middle) welcome Jacco to the team

Describe yourself in 3 words
Down. To. Earth

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
The challenge of having to learn how things really work in the Transportation business but fortunately the widely experienced team I work with has been very helpful and patient in showing me around and answering my questions. I truly enjoy the fact that we must be very close to our customers and stakeholders to succeed and  how the stringent technical demands in Transportation constantly challenge us as sales people but certainly also challenge product development and production departments.

Written by Chloe Taylor, Marketing – International Key Accounts