Looking back over the past 24 years, how would you describe your career journey at IMCD?
My journey has been one of steady growth and increasing responsibility. I moved from Senior Controller to Group Controller, and later to Director Corporate Control. What started as a one-person role has grown into a professional and mature Group Control function, supported by a strong team working closely with finance and control colleagues across the world. Being able to shape and professionalise this function over time has been incredibly rewarding.
You’ve witnessed IMCD’s transformation up close. What moments stand out most to you?
IMCD’s growth has been extraordinary. When I joined, we were a group of companies generating around €500 million in sales; today, IMCD is a global leader with close to €5 billion in annual revenues. Several milestones stand out - the management buyout from Internatio-Muller in 2001, ownership changes in 2004 and 2011, and especially the Initial Public Offering in 2014, which remains my proudest achievement. Along the way, I’ve been deeply involved in areas such as performance and compliance reporting, risk management, M&A projects, refinancing initiatives, JD Edwards (JDE) rollouts, and the implementation of IFRS and CSRD standards.
Jaco Burgers
Director Corporate Control
IMCD has introduced a new, missing element to the chemical periodic table - Element [E]. For us, it stands for our Employees and their Entrepreneurial mindset, the driving force behind our success. What is your Element E?
My Element [E] is Excellence. For me, that means achieving results with discipline, accuracy, and integrity. It’s about doing things properly, continuously improving, and fostering collaboration so we perform as a strong, united, and winning team.
Despite all this growth, what has remained constant at IMCD?
Our core values. Entrepreneurship, Partnership & Trust, Financial Discipline, Continuous Improvement, and Freedom to Act have consistently guided us through every stage of growth. These values have acted as stable anchors, even as the organisation has become more complex and global.
What does IMCD represent to you personally and professionally?
IMCD represents the opportunity to achieve results the right way, with dedication, hard work, and precision. I’m passionate about building sustainable success without taking shortcuts. What I value most is working with colleagues from different disciplines, cultures, and perspectives, and growing together as one organisation. That collaborative spirit is what has kept me motivated and engaged for 24 years.
Jaco Burgers
Director Corporate Control
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
I love to stay active. I usually go to the gym three times a week, including a GRIT session with high-intensity training, and I try to fit in an outdoor run every week as well. On weekends, I enjoy sharing a nice dinner with family or friends. I’m married to Maaike, who is a doctor, so fortunately, no controlling topics during dinner, and we have three children. Spending time with them keeps me grounded and energised.
