Fouad el Hajioui is the new ESG Portfolio Manager at Salacia Solutions. He grew up with a conscious way of living, where being mindful with available resources was central. “From an early age, we learned that it is wasteful to leave the tap running. We preferred to get vegetables, fruits, and dairy directly from the farmer, and we learned that luxury and excess can sometimes be harmful. We were also taught that food availability is not to be taken for granted. This awareness is strong, due to having farmers in the family. I think it comes down to being conscious and grateful for what we are given.”
Encouraged to Pursue Higher Education
Fouad chose to study international business because “business studies are broad, allowing me to explore my interests and integrate them into my career. I completed my Master in International Management at the University of Tilburg. During my bachelor’s, I also spent a semester in Madrid.” Fouad has a special love for Spain. It’s no wonder that after his studies, he returned to Granada to work for a year. “That was good for becoming fluent in Spanish,” he explains.
From Granada to Amersfoort
Upon returning to the Netherlands, Fouad accepted a three-year traineeship at Twynstra Gudde in Amersfoort. “I then lived in Utrecht and worked at this consultancy firm until 2016. Here, I laid my foundation for project management and organizational development. After this traineeship, I applied at HEMA and expanded my knowledge in business analytics. HEMA appealed to me because I have a preference for everyday and tangible products. All very useful and educational. After moving to Rotterdam, the opportunity arose to apply everything I had learned to a sector that has always been close to my heart, the agricultural sector. I made the switch to The Greenery. For those unfamiliar with this company: they handle the sales and logistics for about 200 associated vegetable and fruit growers. They distribute the harvest to supermarkets and wholesalers, among others.” At The Greenery, he was triggered by the sustainability issue, which is a significant challenge for the sector. “That made me want to look for a position at a company where sustainability plays a central role.”
The Spark Ignited in Rotterdam
Fouad actively searched for a B-Corp. By then, he had already gained experience and knowledge about sustainability in various ways, so the vacancy for ESG Portfolio Manager at Salacia Solutions was timely. “Interesting. It seemed like an independent and progressive B-Corp, active in sectors that really matter to me,” he lists. “Salacia is also active in the agricultural sector. Full circle, right?” he laughs. “After a good conversation at Salacia, we shook hands. In my role as ESG Portfolio Manager, I can contribute to the organization’s growth. That means taking on and serving more customers without losing quality. I can also advise our customers on their own development regarding sustainability.”
The Role Fouad Has Been Assigned is Broad
It involves not only facilitating and advising customers but also maintaining oversight internally and ensuring quality. Fouad says, “Think of it as a bridge between the sales, ESG, and software departments. Work with customers is becoming increasingly complex. I help our ESG team get everything on track organizationally. A helicopter view is expected from me.”
A Great Place to Share Knowledge
Asked about his first experiences with the team, he says, “It’s an enthusiastic, engaged, and accessible group of people. It’s great that we work with so many different backgrounds here. Everyone wants to contribute to sustainable growth and does so in a practical way. My experience with larger organizations comes in handy here. We learn a lot from each other, as Salacia is a great place to share knowledge. Not only internally, but also with our customers.”
