Mattijs ten Brink heeft op Linkedin een uitgebreide Engelstalige reactie gegeven op zijn vertrek als CEO bij de Sunweb Group deze week. Hij spreekt waardering uit voor zijn voormalig werkgever en de collega’s aldaar, maar denkt wel het bedrijf beter achtergelaten te hebben dan het was op het moment van de start van zijn leiderschap. Ten Brink laat weten nog geen enkel idee te hebben waar hij weer aan de slag denkt te gaan. Een vervolgstap die niet meteen gepaard gaat met grote haast: ‘I will now take a pause and do absolutely nothing.’
De complete post:
There you are. Less than 48 hours after it became clear that continuing in my role as CEO of #sunwebgroup was no longer an option. At first changing your profile on LinkedIn and for the first time in my life setting an out-of-office for my e-mail address, seem trivial and practical matters. But, while doing this, the permanence of this decision starts sinking in.
Almost four years ago, I started in this role with full conviction. I was a man with a mission and Sunweb had all the ingredients to become an example of customer and people centricity, digitization, product innovation and sustainable tourism. Covid-19 has been the biggest crisis in my career, but eventually it made me and the company stronger. The organization of Sunweb thrives at crises and is second to none in ensuring the best outcome for its customers within the given circumstances. The way it handled the Rhodes fires is only a small testimonial to this.
During my time, I have seen the organization changing in a very positive way, while also building on the legacy of my predecessors. It was an honor to work with so many professionals and passionate holiday experts. As CEO you have only one task: Leave the company in a better shape than it was when you started. I dare say: “Tick in the box!”. I did not do this alone. I had many great leaders in my team supporting, guiding and challenging me. To them I am very grateful. They made me a better person. I have full trust in this team and the whole organization to complete our mission of becoming the leading digital holiday expert.
The travel industry finds itself in turbulent and uncertain times. Many challenges lie ahead, including the huge and justified pressure to make the offer drastically more sustainable. I am sorry for not being able to support my #anvr colleagues on this mission. But also here I am confident they will be able to reinvent themselves and secure the future of holidays for their respective customers.
I will now take a pause and do absolutely nothing. Emptying my mind and letting the inspiration flow. I have no idea where my path will lead me, but I know I have much to offer and even more to learn in the years to come.
