HANS DE JAEGER, BRANCH PRESIDENT HONDA BENELUX

Hans de Jaeger, Branch President of Honda Benelux, has ended up in the right place from collecting small miniature cars, having an above-average interest in cars and particularly enjoying going out with the car. Who brought De Jaeger from A to B during his career? Text: Mical Joseph
Image: Honda Benelux

What was your very first job?

“My father worked at a furniture company in Belgium and at the weekend I cleaned the machines in the workroom and collected the old wood from the company. I was already working hard at a young age and subsequently had several part-time jobs in different sectors.”

What did you aspire to as a young adult?

“I aspired to a life where I could achieve great things together with people and I always enjoyed contact with others. So after high school I trained as a social worker with a specialty in Human Resource. After my studies, I supported start-up companies and worked as a personnel director at a textile company. Until 28 years ago: I got the opportunity to work at Honda.”

How did you end up in your current job?

“I actually just came across an HR vacancy from Honda in a regional newspaper that I could identify with. I was hired and traveled to different countries such as Dubai, Poland and Italy where I managed after-sales service, human resources and operations. Three years ago I started as Branch President of Honda Benelux. As you can hear, I have been with Honda for a long time and my experience abroad has really been an important added value for my career! I learned so much and came into contact with many different cultures, which was good for my development.”

Honda has two offices in the Benelux, namely in Capelle aan de IJsel and in Brussels. What do you think is the biggest difference between Flemish and Dutch employees?

“The known difference is of course that Belgians are a little more reserved and the Dutch are a lot more direct. That makes it extra interesting and fun and at the end of the journey, after a process of different approaches, these obstacles are broken through.” 

What are the most important values ​​for you as Branch President?

“It is important that in this role I am a listening ear, work with people, pass on the expertise and take the organization to a higher level.”

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Has a wheelbarrow, mentor or inspirer taught you these aspects?

“I acquired these aspects partly organically and partly through the organization. Over the years I have attended a number of good global leadership seminars, after which I came into contact with several Honda executives. In addition, the right people have come my way and that luck has taken me further. These people believed in me, gave me opportunities and also tolerated my occasional mistakes.

But to be honest, my number one wheelbarrow is my wife, because no matter how many opportunities I had or people I met, if I hadn't had the support at home, I would never have gotten this far.”

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

“When we have worked on a project for a longer period of time and... a plan comes together, then I am very pleased. I also get my energy from contact with different people, both inside and outside Honda.”

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And… which car do you drive?

“Of course I drive a Honda. To be precise, in the Honda CRV Hybrid.”

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career?

“My greatest learning moment was the moment I realized that I cannot do everything on my own. Even if the project is very well thought out and original, you always need your fellow man. Translating an idea into practice is something you do together.”

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

“Follow your dreams, have respect and try to make a difference to society. You get so much in return!”

Have you been a wheelbarrow for someone?

“I am always available for (young) people who show their own ambition and want to realize their wishes. I am happy to give advice and am a listening ear for this group. As said: you have to reach out for yourself."