After 16 years in Zeist’s forests, it was time for a major step forwards. As well as establishing their headquarters in Zuidas, Kraft Heinz Benelux will also be establishing their Global Centre of Excellence here. According to Oliveira, it will be a place in which ‘smart people will seek smart packaging, logistics and marketing solutions.’ In these efforts, the concern will be assisted by the Amsterdam’s two research universities. ‘Any talented students who aspire to play in the Champions League of multinationals need look no further than Kraft Heinz.’ For quite some time, the firm has been working together with their Zuidas-based neighbour, the School of Business and Economics of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. ‘This is where the future is made’, says Oliveira.
Maximum sustainability
NoMA House (North of MAhler) was developed by Maarsen Groep and Zadelhoff, designed by architect Diederik Dam and built by Dura Vermeer. The building was also awarded the BREEAM Outstanding status. BREEAM is one of the most widely regarded sustainability certification systems and ‘Outstanding’ is the highest score achievable. Another notable factor is that Kraft Heinz does not have any car-parking spaces. ‘We cycle to work!’, laughs spokesman Nigel Dicky. ‘People are happy that we have come to Zuidas. There’s lots to do here: Schiphol is just around the corner and buses, metros and trains will take you anywhere you wish to go. To ensure everything runs smoothly, Kraft Heinz enlisted the services of Forensz, a mobility service provider. Forensz gave advice to all employees regarding the most efficient commute to the new office in Zuidas, organized public-transport passes with transport operators such as NS and GVB and took care of all administrative matters concerning public transport.
Biggest office
450 Kraft Heinz employees now work in NoMA House, making it the firm’s biggest European office. However, Kraft Heinz – the sixth-biggest food producer in the world – refers to their staff as ‘owners’ rather than ’employees’. ‘Our culture is based on ownership and merit: if you perform well, you will be rewarded for it. This encourages a feeling of ownership in everything you do.’ Oliveira is a shining example of this culture: despite being young, he is already responsible for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
America first, the Netherlands second
The opening was a particularly American affair and was attended by Pete Hoekstra, the United States ambassador to the Netherlands. The ambassador was happy to see Kraft Heinz invest in the Netherlands, and specifically in Zuidas. ‘America first, but The Netherlands second’, he laughed, referring to the video by Arjen Lubach, which he says made him laugh out loud.
Top photo, from left to right: Michael Mullen, Senior Vice President of Corporate and Government Affairs; Pete Hoekstra, United States ambassador to the Netherlands; Rafael Oliveira, Zone President for Europe, Africa and the Middle East; and Maarten Camps, Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.
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