Quote Unquote – Martijn de Lange, Ops Director, Hermes

Hermes is the UK’s leading consumer delivery specialist handling more than 190 million collections and deliveries each year. Hermes provides a range of flexible and affordable delivery options to home, work, neighbour, safe place or ParcelShop that is suitable for the consumer and fits within their increasingly busy lifestyles. This multi-channel approach offers a convenient and hassle-free delivery experience that achieves high levels of satisfaction and ultimately creates brand value.

Within the UK, Hermes operates a network of nearly 9,500 lifestyle couriers that provides high-quality doorstep delivery. This flexible, friendly and local approach means that couriers understand the habits and preferences of individual customers, ensuring that up to 95 per cent of parcels are delivered first time.

WLN – What brought you to this industry?

After completing my Masters Degree, I was lucky enough to get onto the Management Graduate Scheme at TNT Post in Holland. TNT then started a business in the UK which I joined and I gradually moved up the career ladder. I am now working for the best parcel business in an exciting marketplace.

WLN – What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

I think it is watching how operations can drive forward the strategy of Hermes overall. I believe that Operations need to be the driving force of strategy and not be a limiting factor as may have been seen in the past. In order to be ahead of the game, delivering excellent results, you need to constantly think ahead – currently to about 2017!

WLN – Who inspired you most in your career?

There are two people: The CEO of TNT Post, Nick Wells for his entrepreneurial flair and his commercial expertise and Carol Woodhead, the CEO of Hermes for her leadership style, integrity and overall vision.

WLN – If you were an item in a warehouse, what would you be?

I would have to be the latest gadget – to show my progressive streak.

WLN?- If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would lift up everything I have and move it back to Holland. I do sometimes miss my friends and family from back home.

WLN – What’s the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you at work?

I recently went to an important meeting with the CEO – I was giving her a lift back to work and I couldn’t find my car in the car park!

WLN?- Who or what makes you laugh?

People who are results orientated but don’t take themselves too seriously at the end of the day.

WLN?- Do you have any hidden talents?

I used to be a professional tennis player and was No. 3 in Holland in the juniors and ranked No. 20 in the seniors. I also think I’m a great singer – but that may be debatable!

WLN – Who would your favourite party guest be?

Simon Cowell or the Dutch football player Robin Van Persie who plays for Manchester United.

WLN – What is the greatest luxury in your life?

My little son – he is just two years old and a constant joy!

WLN – What is your favourite guilty pleasure?

You will realise why I said my favourite dinner guest would be Simon Cowell as I love watching programmes like the X Factor!

WLN – Do you have any secret ambitions?

When I was younger I wanted to go into politics and that is still a desire of mine. Maybe one day I will be Secretary of State!

WLN – What is your dream holiday destination?

Although I’ve been to America many times, I haven’t explored the West Coast so I’d love to go to California or LA.

WLN – What are your three favourite movies of all time?

Godfather 2, The Shawshank Redemption and more recently The Wolf of Wolfstreet.

WLN – What is your favourite book?

Any fiction by the Dutch writer Ronald Giphart but I also immerse myself in business books charting the rise and fall of companies. I always have my nose in a newspaper as I’m addicted politics and business.

WLN – What is your favourite pastime?

Playing tennis and spending time with my son at the local dads and tots group.

WLN – If you won the lottery what would you do?

I would buy a house in Holland, go ski-ing and then carry on as normal!

WLN – What would be our advice to someone coming into the industry (apart from don’t do it!)

Stay as true to yourself as you can. The people that get on in the logistics industry are those who stand apart from the crowd and have a strong personality. It is good to be different sometimes and to have an edge.