Telindus Group nv
It's 8 AM as I cycle up to the headquarters of Telindus Group,
a telecommunications concern offering a wide range of services
in communications and information technology. Entering the building
I'm immediately told by one of the two private security guards
manning the reception desk that my bike needs to be moved from
the spot next to the entrance. So, I wheel my trusty steed to
an adjacent underground parking lot and into a prime spot reserved
for commuting cyclists.
Leuven, situated less than 20 miles east of Brussels, is a vibrant
city of about 100,000 inhabitants. Telindus' headquarters sits
on the outskirts of town in a light industrial/office park (or
industrial zone as Belgians like to call them). One can see the
headquarters has morphed over the years. There's a long white,1970-ish
three-story building on one end and at the other end stands a
much newer-looking dark reflective glass four-story structure.
The visitors reception area is located in the new dark structure
(built 2003) and it's a large and expansive area with light blue
carpet. A huge vase filled with fresh tulips sits on the reception
counter. I've arrived before the receptionist does and that explains
the two security guards on duty. I plop down on one of the nine
black, futuristic-looking V-shaped chairs and wait. Looking out
the large windows I count three flags (Belgium, European Union
& Telindus) flapping from flagpoles.
A little after 9AM I meet with Andreas Zynga, Vice President,
British Isles, North-Central Europe & Corporate Solutions.
Though Zynga hadn't seen my letter of introduction material sent
a month earlier to CEO Ronald Everaert, he generously agrees
to answer my questions even though he's missing a scheduled meeting.
Telindus operates on flex work hours where employees have options
such as when they start work in the morning. About 600-700 people
work here. Smoking isn't allowed in offices, parking is free
and plentiful and meeting rooms are named after rivers and continents.
There's no formal dress code, it's 25 minutes to Brussels airport
and I could toss a grapefruit from here to the nearest freeway.
There are no onsite recreational facilities though shower are
available for joggers and cyclists. The ground floor cafeteria
is a real beaut with a brown hardwood floor and all the tables
and chairs white. The cafeteria overlooks a grassy courtyard
with tables and chairs outside for those wanting to eat in the
big air.
Company revenues in 2004 totaled 532 million Euros with over
2,200 employees worldwide. John Cordier (now deceased) founded
Telindus back in 1969 and a big photo of him hangs on a wall
near the reception area.
CEO Ronald Everaert occupies a top floor corner office with a
square white desk. I count six family pictures and don't see
a computer or any plants. What's the view out his window? Large
trees on the grounds and a satellite dish.
Any unusual features of the headquarters? Only the CEO gets an
enclosed office. Also, apple trees on the premises.
Company website: www.telindus.com
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