Flavio Santos is the Swedish country manager of Signify (formerly known as the lighting division of Philips). They joined the Dutch Chamber this spring as a corporate member. Some of our members might have met Flavio at the Annual Dinner in March. For those who didn't, we interviewed Flavio to find out more about him and Signify’s current relation to Philips.
Who is Flavio Santos?
I am a Brazilian but have lived in Sweden for 21 years now, which I enjoy very much. I am currently the Country Manager and Professional Channel Director for Sweden at Signify. This means that I am responsible for the B2B part of the company where we address the customers in the private and public sector ranging from all types of lighting applications in segments like industries, offices, retail stores, hospitals, roads, streets, parks and arenas.
Could you please tell us a bit more about Signify. What is the relation to Philips?
Signify is the new company name of the Lighting Division that spun off from Philips in 2016. Signify is an independent company listed on the stock exchange in Amsterdam (ticker LIGHT). We are the largest lighting company in the world and the leader in LED and connected light.
We have only changed the company name, we will still continue to sell and promote the world famous Philips brand in all our products, so for our customers the name change will not have any impact.
What is your experience with working with the Dutch?
From my experience there's a great fit with the Swedish business culture, where both cultures are for a more flat organisation and not so hierarchical. However, the Dutch are generally more aggressive and straight-forward in the way of doing business, which is inspiring and constructive.
How did you get in touch with the Dutch Chamber?
Since we were part of Royal Philips, after we spun off from them, I was contacted by Maarten Merx and we started our discussions.
What are your expectations towards the Dutch Chamber of Commerce? How can the Dutch Chamber help you to achieve your ambitions?
It´s all about people! I expect that the Dutch Chamber will allow our company to be in touch with others that are looking for solutions or challenges where we can make a positive contribution. I also expect to be able to contribute to the network by sharing more knowledge about the lighting industry and how we can contribute to better well-being and a more sustainable world.
/Els Berkers
Who is Flavio Santos?
I am a Brazilian but have lived in Sweden for 21 years now, which I enjoy very much. I am currently the Country Manager and Professional Channel Director for Sweden at Signify. This means that I am responsible for the B2B part of the company where we address the customers in the private and public sector ranging from all types of lighting applications in segments like industries, offices, retail stores, hospitals, roads, streets, parks and arenas.
Could you please tell us a bit more about Signify. What is the relation to Philips?
Signify is the new company name of the Lighting Division that spun off from Philips in 2016. Signify is an independent company listed on the stock exchange in Amsterdam (ticker LIGHT). We are the largest lighting company in the world and the leader in LED and connected light.
We have only changed the company name, we will still continue to sell and promote the world famous Philips brand in all our products, so for our customers the name change will not have any impact.
What is your experience with working with the Dutch?
From my experience there's a great fit with the Swedish business culture, where both cultures are for a more flat organisation and not so hierarchical. However, the Dutch are generally more aggressive and straight-forward in the way of doing business, which is inspiring and constructive.
How did you get in touch with the Dutch Chamber?
Since we were part of Royal Philips, after we spun off from them, I was contacted by Maarten Merx and we started our discussions.
What are your expectations towards the Dutch Chamber of Commerce? How can the Dutch Chamber help you to achieve your ambitions?
It´s all about people! I expect that the Dutch Chamber will allow our company to be in touch with others that are looking for solutions or challenges where we can make a positive contribution. I also expect to be able to contribute to the network by sharing more knowledge about the lighting industry and how we can contribute to better well-being and a more sustainable world.
/Els Berkers
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