Meet Sylvie

Regional Solid Fuels Lead

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at Bureau Veritas.

I am the Regional Solid Fuels Lead based in Ghent, and I’m responsible for the solid fuels business in the ARA region. I work with a great team of motivated and experienced colleagues to ensure we provide on-time and accurate reports for our clients. Outside of work, I’m mom to a 13-year-old boy, and I enjoy walking in nature and spending quality time with friends and family.

How was your career journey in Bureau Veritas?

I’ve been with Bureau Veritas for 14 years. I have a background in Chemistry and started as a Chemist. BV offered opportunities for me to grow, and I later became Lab Manager. I’ve been the Business/Technical Manager since 2017 and now I will take on a bigger portfolio as Regional Solid Fuels Lead.

What do you like about your job?

I’ve always been fascinated with chemistry and with this job, I’m still connected to it even though my role in recent years has been more commercial. I enjoy the contact with clients and helping them trouble-shoot issues. There are of course challenges, but I see that as a way to develop myself, and I have the support of amazing colleagues who make coming to work enjoyable.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on improving our service offer to our clients. Streamlining our processes so we can be more lean and agile. Looking into digitalisation and automation to optimise our analyses and lab reporting. The goal is to be the preferred partner for our clients. 

Do you have any advice for women aspiring to be leaders in this industry?

We will face unique challenges as women, but if you can turn them into learning opportunities, you’ll grow from it. I think BV Ghent has amazing women in leadership roles. They are great role models in a male-dominated business. We are supportive of each other and that in itself is a big source of inspiration.