“You get a lot of exposure on a global basis at NXP - that's important if you're making a career. But it's still a caring company - that's part of our heritage. NXP takes care of its people. It's unique in the way there is both international exposure and a people orientation. That's different from other companies in our industry.
My work has to do with Business-to-Business marketing in the field of consumer products like TVs, Set-Top Boxes etc. In my job, you have to understand what makes an interesting value proposition for customers and what differentiates us. Having a technical background is not all there is to it - maybe 50%. The other 50% has to do with how we're perceived, as individuals, face-to-face with the customer. If customers feel they can rely on me personally, they are more willing to make the decision for NXP. B2B marketing is about building real partnerships.
There is a lot of innovation at NXP, although we're sometimes slow to bring it to market. There are still steps to be taken on this. We need to be faster than our competitors in responding to our customers' development needs. We still have to prove ourselves as a new company. And we are changing. At NXP, you have to be accountable and prepared to take responsibility for faster decision-making and for your performance.
I knew from the beginning that I wanted to have international experience, and my managers have always given me the opportunity to move. It has helped that I am open-minded about different cultures. As a European in Asia, you need to be able to bring our two cultures together. I had exposure to the American culture for several years, and that experience has helped. It's important that I can work in different cultures, e.g. when it comes to demanding performance from people, and with increasing management leadership. People are accountable for their performance at NXP. But there's also more freedom to take decisions.
I feel very strongly about having variety and international assignments. It's very important to me, this is what I want, and I appreciate the trust I get and opportunities for new assignments. I can do everything I want to achieve here; there's no reason for me to look elsewhere.”
Regional Marketing Manager
Singapore
6 years with NXP Semiconductors
14 years total work experience