Frans van As
Account Manager at BPM Company
Frans: “I grew up in Nijkerk. I went to school there and also took my first professional steps there. I started at what was then called McDonald’s Logistics and Service, now HAVI Logistics, an environment where processes, discipline, and reliability are essential. I worked there for ten years, including two and a half years in Belgium as General Manager of the Belgian distribution center.”
First introduction to IT and quality management
“I then made the move to a company focused on automating logistics processes, joining a software firm that had developed a Transport Management System. Within that organization, there was a clear need to improve quality. Together with others, I helped introduce structure by sending people to training, setting up a program, and putting quality management firmly on the agenda.
This was my first serious introduction to the combination of IT and quality. I was faced with questions such as: how do you ensure that software changes are implemented in a structured and controlled way? And how do you deal with customers, even when they are not fully satisfied?”
From expertise to commerce
“Those experiences prompted me to take the next step: I wanted to move into the commercial side of IT. I started at a secondment company with the ambition of becoming an account manager, but was first seconded myself as a professional.
I worked as a software tester and software test manager, including on assignments at Rijkswaterstaat and KPN. In 2008, I made the definitive move into the role of account manager. I seconded and supported professionals within the field of software testing and held commercial responsibility across various organizations. Over the fifteen years that followed, from 2008 to 2023, I learned an incredible amount about the commercial profession and about building and maintaining relationships.”
Closing the circle at BPM Company
“During that period, I also got to know BPM Company, initially as a business contact. Through Hans Steenwijk, someone I had worked with earlier in my career and whom I reconnected with fifteen years later at BPM, the question arose whether I would consider making the move. We started talking about a role as account manager, and in March 2024 I joined BPM Company.
BPM Company is an organization where I can truly put my commercial knowledge and experience to good use. My days mainly consist of conversations with clients: what are their challenges, their plans, their issues? And how can we, as BPM Company, add real value?”
Not a typical salesperson
“I don’t see myself as a typical salesperson. For me, the customer’s interests always come first. When you truly understand what’s going on and communicate about it honestly and transparently, trust is built. And that ultimately leads to sustainable relationships and strong commercial results—for both the customer and BPM Company.
Transparency and communication are important to me in general, not only towards customers but also internally. The town halls that are regularly organized within BPM Company contribute greatly to this. They ensure that everyone stays well informed about the vision, strategy, and plans for the future.”
Outside of work
“In my free time, I enjoy staying active: I play squash, work out at the gym, and go running. I also like watching sports, especially football and Formula 1. During the summer months, I spend a lot of time at my beach house in Zandvoort. My children truly grew up on the beach.”
