Philippe Decoster

Do you need temporary or permanent replacement for a Managing Director or CEO ? Do you need change or crisis or project management ? Would you like to be able to discuss your business with a neutral, pragmatic advisor ? Would you like to have a sparring partner to challenge your vision and strategy ? My mission is to advise, help and support medium sized (inter)national organisations with their operational and strategic management challenges

As Board Member I advised HD Partners with their long term strategy and contributed to specific projects.

I championed the successful management buy-in (MBI) and management buy-out (MBO) of a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) company delivering wiring & piping infrastructure for utility companies. Subsequently, I oversaw and led all aspects of operations of 3 companies and central services, while serving as chair of holding company. My responsibilities included, but was not limited to, sales, finance, HR, engineering, and logistics.

I led the Benelux organisation of James Walker Ltd, a British multinational company specialising in high-tech industrial sealing product. This included P&L, HR, health and safety, sales, and operations. I increased revenue by 25% in 2 years by spearheading innovative and effective organisational strategy including sales department restructuring, implementing new IT, and improved collaboration with sister companies in UK, France, and Germany.

Headed operations and financial results, including full profit & loss accountability. Negotiated customer and supplier contracts. Mentored staff and directly contributed to organisational development. Coordinated sales and business development, distribution agreements, 3rd party organisations, and North African building. Conducted monthly reporting to headquarters in Amersfoort, the Netherlands.

Expertly coordinated teams of up to 15, ensuring ongoing communication, adherence to schedules, and superior assignment results. Evaluated established methods and developed improved business solutions. Oversaw large-scale projects with budgets €50M+. Integrated KPN Belgium and Eunet product portfolio, leading to merging of telecom and internet worlds. Provided key leadership, defining common approach to achieving goals.

Oversaw product and services portfolio leased lines and BiLan with €50M turnover. Adapted leased lines pricing, conducted Telezones project in fiber optics, and BiLan product innovation. Managed and professionally developed 4 product managers.

Managed international telecommunications services sales, including X.25 and frame relay. Developed business expansion strategies leading to broadened customer base and new accounts.

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