Press Release
Venlo, 17 October 2023
Viking Group appoints Albert van der Zwan as Head of Marketing, Merchandising and Digital
Viking Group Europe, one of Europe’s leading resellers of office supplies and equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Albert van der Zwan as new Head of Marketing, Merchandising and Digital. Albert van der Zwan assumed his new role on 1 September 2023, and reports directly to Christa Furter, Managing Director Viking Group.
As the Head of Marketing, Merchandising & Digital, Albert van der Zwan is responsible for developing effective multi-channel marketing strategies, delivering growth on the customer base of small, medium, and large companies, carrying out product marketing & merchandising initiatives, and all developments of digital and offline media. Additionally, brand awareness development and the enhancement of the company’s unique customer loyalty program Viking One are also among the fundamental activities within his responsibility.
“Leveraging his extensive background in marketing and executive roles, Albert will play a pivotal role in our Turnaround Program, aiming to establish unique and scalable marketing strategies that enhance customer experiences and elevate the overall performance of the company,” states Christa Furter.
Albert van der Zwan has held multiple international experiences in B2B and B2C marketing, in both digital and offline platforms, and has a history of senior management roles across Europe. As an Interim Manager Marketing & Sales at ANWB in 2004, he has successfully overseen the transformation of the marketing and sales organisation towards a customer-centric perspective. In 2016, he held the position of Head of Marketing & Sales at Orange Business Services, a European network and digital integrator. Most recently, he served as the Global Marketing & Brand Director for the Manutan Group, a prominent European B2B entity specialising in products and equipment for businesses and local authorities.
Albert van der Zwan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, awarded in 1992, and a Bachelor’s degree in Technology Management, awarded in 1994, both from The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Additionally, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from TSM Business School in 2004. He is a member of the management team of Viking Group.
About Viking
As a leading expert in workplace solutions and products, Viking helps create great workspaces for everyone, everywhere. Since 1960, we have been championing workplace transformation. Under the name Viking Direct in Europe, we first began assisting companies in their adjustment from paper to computer in 1990. Currently, Viking Europe operates in eight countries, employs over 1,500 people with the European headquarter located in Venlo. Following our acquisition by the RAJA Group in November 2021, Europe’s leading distributor of packaging, and a major player in the office supplies and furniture market, we are even better suited for everything the future holds.
Media contact
Viking Europe
Darina Koning-Admiraal, Sr Manager Communications
T.: +31 631 004 689 Email: darina.koningadmiraal@vikingoffice.eu
Website: www.vikingoffice.eu