Started at Topsoe 2004 Education MSc in Chemical Engineering, PhD in catalysis from the University of Aalborg, Esbjerg Personal Jacob is 34 years old and lives in Copenhagen.

My job

As product manager in the Catalyst Division I am responsible for the VK catalysts, which are used in the production of sulphuric acid. Part of my job is to monitor the quality of our catalysts, which are produced in Frederikssund and in Houston. I work closely with Research and Development and assist in troubleshooting at our production plants. My tasks also include technical service to clients, for example performance calculations, process optimising and measurements at customer plants.

Around the world

I travel to meet customers and visit plants all over the world – Mexico, Chile, Peru, Brazil, India, Tasmania, France and Belgium. The close contact with clients gives valuable information about our products and clients’ interests.

I always make an effort to learn a few words in the local language so I can communicate with the people on site. When you show an interest by learning a little of the local language, it is easier to establish a dialogue.

Focus on people

In the Catalyst Division, we are starting to focus more on people and the person behind the employee – I am sure people perform better when they feel good.

To me, good colleagues are a key factor. We have lunch together, and I am also involved in a couple of the sports groups at Topsoe – football and badminton. Last year we played football against a team from the production plant in Frederikssund. Sports are a good way to get to know colleagues from other divisions.

"Topsoe was my dream company. I wrote my PhD about catalysis in cooperation with Topsoe’s Research and Development, and after that, Topsoe was the natural choice."