Greenyard is more than an employer. People join the group to pursue their dreams, fulfil ambitions and, most importantly, grow. And are we proud of that! That is why we regularly highlight one of our people - and their personal growth trajectory. Today: Group Seafreight Manager Catherine Blockx.
The seed: the love for the sea running through the family
"The love for the sea was instilled in me from the very beginning," Catherine begins her story. "My father always worked in the port of Antwerp at a port handler, so we got to know the port as children. Those big cargo ships and all the activity around them... I loved it."
"So, when it came time to make a study choice, I deliberately set course towards the world of ports and international freight traffic. I studied Applied Economics and specialised in business economics and transport. The tone was set: it was time to venture into the wide waters of the job market."
The germ: a first job bringing together sea and transport
"That first job was with European Food Transport (EFT), right by the auction in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. "There I got a taste of all facets of the transport world: road transport, sea freight, warehousing... I learned a huge amount there," Catherine looks back. "And the knowledge I gained there; I still apply daily now in my current job."
Through an acquisition, European Food Transport became part of Univeg, which in turn merged with Greenyard in 2015. Meanwhile, Catherine was in another part of the company, which was not part of that merger. Catherine: "But I felt I was out of place there. I knew the atmosphere at Greenyard and knew: that's where I have to go." And so it happened: Catherine eventually moored at Greenyard as Group Seafreight Manager.
"As a child, I found the bustle of the port fascinating. I knew even then: that's what I want to work with later." Catherine Blockx, Group Seafreight Manager at Greenyard
The flourish: a heart for seafaring, sustainability and fruit & vegetables
At Greenyard, Catherine joined the transport team led by Pascal De Freyne at Corporate Office. "He really is my mentor," Catherine says. "Pascal knows how to bring out the best in everyone. He takes us out of our comfort zone - and that, of course, is the best way to keep growing. Transport is really a people business: it's about knowing people, using your network and solving problems together. In the last year, that was an extra big challenge because we had to do everything remotely. That's why we now make regular phone calls via Teams, which means you also see your international colleagues more often. The distance has never been so short because of this. "
"I get enormous satisfaction out of my job," Catherine continues. "I can use my love of the sea to create a product with impact, and work with a great group of talented people to do so. So to see the fruits of our work literally in shops is an indescribable feeling."