“Hi! My name is Laurence Legrand, I am 35 years old and I work with Sales Support (Pulp Division) at the Ekman office in Zurich, Switzerland. I have worked at Ekman for a year and a half. 

My role, Sales Support, is kind of self-explanatory. My point of view is that when things run smoothly Sales Support is almost “invisible” within a company. However, since the business activities of Ekman are quite specific it is one of the most important departments as we are the main point of contact for all involved external and internal parties (customers, suppliers, local authorities, logistics partners, sellers, etc.). It is a challenging job; Sales Support is the fabric that keeps everything together. Therefore we need to have broad general knowledge and experience in all areas (accounting, logistics, processes, etc.) in order to keep the business running. 

What I like best about working for Ekman is that it is really an outside the box company. We think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective. I like the Swedish management style which is based on flat hierarchies, “keep-it-simple” attitude, self-responsibility (no micro-management), and trust towards the employees in general. 

In 3-5 years I see myself as being an experienced Manager of the Swiss Sales Support Team. 

When I am not at work I like to spend time on my favourite hobby Filou… my dog! On a more serious note, I like travelling a lot. For example I am almost never at home during the week-end. I am always discovering and visiting new places, mainly the nature.”