3/2/00 Marketing 66
2000 WL 7878501
Marketing
Copyright (C) 2000 Marketing; Source: World Reporter (TM)
Thursday, March 2, 2000
MKT CAREERS: Job interview
Name Derek von Bronkhorst
Job title Global head of communications
Company Flexion Systems
How did you get into marketing?
I worked my way up through the ranks. After college, I joined a
telecommunications company called ROLM. I was with ROLM for ten years as
it was acquired by IBM and then sold off to Siemens. With so much
organisational chaos, there were opportunities for those of us who
stayed with the company. It was with Siemens that I first moved into a
marketing role.
What was your motivation for leaving Levi Strauss & Co to join
Flexion?
I joined Levi Strauss & Co because of its tremendous reputation and
brands. While I gained great experience there, it was a difficult time
for the company. I spent as much time dealing with lay-offs and plant
closings as I did contributing to the success of the brands. Flexion
gave me a chance to blend the telecoms experience I received at Siemens
and the mass consumer marketing experience I received at Levi Strauss.
What qualities do you need to succeed in this industry?
You need to be hard-working, honest and passionate about what you do.
You also have to be tenacious.
What was your big break?
I would say I have been blessed to have had a series of small breaks.
I was fortunate to have tremendous a opportunity during my time at
ROLM/IBM/Siemens. I stayed there while most people in my discipline were
leaving. It let me do much more than I would have had an opportunity to
do otherwise. In large part, you create your own breaks through hard
work and networking. A little luck never hurt, though.
What individual has influenced you most in your career?
Without question, my father has been my biggest influence. He was one
of the most respected chief financial officers in Silicon Valley when it
consisted of only a handful of companies. I learned from my father the
virtues of loyalty, hard work, honesty, and integrity. I also learned
that anything worth doing is worth doing well.
What characteristics do you most look for in the people you do
business with/employ?
I look for 'doers'. I also look for people who take care of the those
around them. In a start-up you work long hours. It can take its toll. I
want people who know when and how to relieve the stress. I also look for
people who bring skills and perspectives different from my own.
Diversity, of people and thought, brings positive results.
What would be the one piece of career advice you would give?
If you aren't enjoying what you are doing, do something else. Life is
too short.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Trying to take on too much. Many hands make light work.
What has been your biggest achievement?
I like to look forward, so my next biggest achievement will be to take
Flexion public and help it grow successfully.
Where do you see yourself in ten years' time?
If things go well, I will be vice-president of Flexion, the best
provider of managed business solutions on the planet!
CV
1991-1995
Manager, media government and community relations, Siemens ROLM
1995-1996
Senior manager, global communications, Levi Strauss & Co
1996-1999
Director, global communications, Levi Strauss & Co
1999-present
Global head of communications, Flexion Systems
---- INDEX REFERENCES ----
KEY WORDS: PEOPLE; GENERAL NEWS; MARKETING; COMPANY NEWS; UNITED KINGDOM, EUROPEGB; EUROPE; EUROPEAN UNION; WESTERN EUROPE
NEWS SUBJECT: Marketing (MRK)
REGION: United Kingdom; Europe; European Union (UK EU EC)
Word Count: 554
3/2/00 MARKETING 66
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