Unstoppable People - Jeroen Sabbe

Our Meet Milliken series highlights our associates who guide us to success and embody our values: integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability, and people.

Curious about what it's like to navigate the complexities of finance within a global manufacturing company? Meet Jeroen Sabbe, the Cost Leader of the European and Indian entities in our Textile Division, specifically within the Engineered Performance Products business segment.

Adapting to Change: A Resilient Start at Milliken

Jeroen joined Milliken in 2019, bringing with him a background in applied business economics. His journey at Milliken has been anything but ordinary. Starting just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeroen quickly adapted to the new challenges that arose. "We went from daily routine tasks to having lots of analysis, calculations, going to keep the plants open," he recalls. After the pandemic, an energy crisis and soaring raw material prices presented new hurdles. Despite these challenges, Jeroen remains optimistic about the future, looking forward to a more stable 2025.

A Day in the Life

Jeroen's role is dynamic and multifaceted; as a Cost Leader with global responsibility, his day transcends time zones. His day typically involves interactions with colleagues across different continents, from India in the morning to the United States in the evening. In between the conference calls with his associates in various parts of the world, Jeroen also spends time engaging with his team in-person on the manufacturing floor. He describes his position as one that allows him to touch the product and see the production process firsthand. "I can walk around the production area, see what we make, how we make it," he says. This hands-on approach is complemented by his work in finance, where he engages in detailed analysis and strategic planning.

Passion for Integrity and Safety

When asked about the core value that resonates most with him, Jeroen chose integrity . "When you work in finance, integrity is of utmost importance," he explains. This value is crucial in his role, where unbiased analysis and reporting are key. Jeroen also emphasizes the importance of safety, both in the office and on the production floor. "Being safe means that you go home the same way you arrived in the morning," he says, highlighting Milliken's commitment to a safe working environment.

Commitment to Manufacturing

Jeroen's interest in manufacturing stems from his desire to see the tangible results of his work. "If I have a question or if I have doubts, I just put on my safety shoes, and go take a look myself," he shares. This direct involvement with the production process allows him to make informed decisions and provides a sense of fulfillment that purely office-based roles might lack.

A Bright Future at Milliken

Jeroen's journey at Milliken is a testament to our commitment to fostering talent and driving innovation. His diverse experiences and passion for finance and manufacturing make him a valuable member of team Milliken, continually pushing the envelope in financial analysis and strategic planning.

Want to join #TeamMilliken? Visit our careers webpage to learn more about your next opportunity.