Tim Hehenkamp

Why controlling?

"I think Controlling is hugely underestimated, outside of Finance. It is much more than the place you ‘get your data’ as a consultant. Especially in food retail, an industry of billions, where margins are razor thin, but with the facts based Commercial Controlling department at the steering wheel, they make all the difference. The job requires a lot of the same skills as those of a Strategy Consultant: making sharp analyzes with your team and convincing senior management that the business would profit from it the very same day. At the moment I am working on setting up a department of ten people that will optimally fulfil this role at Jumbo."

Why Jumbo?

"I wanted to work for an organization that allowed me to build. And within the current Dutch retail landscape there are basically two companies setting the tone. Ahold and Jumbo. The first has evolved too much for my taste. At Ahold the road has already been paved, whereas at Jumbo that same one doesn’t even exist yet."

What was your exit like?

"In the end it took me about three months. There was an opportunity in the private equity field, which was my initial choice when it came to furthering my career. But I discovered private equity is about three things: deal making, financial structuring and improving the company. Only the latter is of interest to me. At Jumbo I got the opportunity to structurally enhance the company from within, which is a huge asset to my experience as a consultant."

Would you become a consultant again?

"As a start to my career you mean? Most definitely. I can tell it has brought me a lot. Of course when it comes to logical reasoning, which has become second nature to me after five years of consulting. But the thing which is most appreciated is my ability to get results, also beyond the boundaries of an organization. Being fully involved, putting one’s teeth into something and carrying on until the desired results have been obtained."

How will your career proceed from now on?

"Commerce and Marketing are my responsibilities when it comes to controlling, so I work closely together with these departments. That allows me to look into what will be my next step at Jumbo: commerce, business development, supply chain, finance…Fact is that there are so many opportunities within the company at present, also because of the integration of C1000, so I will undoubtedly find a wonderful next step for my career here."

Where do you do your own shopping?

"There is only one place that offers the lowest prices, the biggest range and service with a smile. And luckily their number of shops is growing in my hometown, Amsterdam!"