She speaks of Wallonia as a territory to defend, to promote and to raise to greater heights. Sophie Houtmeyers, Director of Skechers’ European Distribution Centre (EDC) at Herstal, heads their biggest European logistics hub.
She started working at Skechers in 2002, in an empty building with no office and no team. That is where she had her interview, at a table with three chairs. 23 years later, the same warehouse has become the biggest EDC owned by the American brand. For over 24 years, Skechers has been sending sport and casual footwear throughout Europe from Wallonia.
Although she is Flemish, she has spent most of her career in Wallonia, and she is proud of it. “I want to take Wallonia to the next level.” She has spent 30 years in the logistics industry, with 23 of them at Skechers. The American company, won over by her experience and vision, entrusted her with the simultaneous responsibility of multiple countries: Brazil, Chile, Japan, UK, and Belgium. Her multifaceted experience, particularly through her role as President of Logistics in Wallonia, is recognised worldwide. “I provide advice and a business plan whenever the company calls me regarding overseas sites or relocations.”
The Herstal site has expanded several times. It is a whole ecosystem that works round the clock to supply Europe, involving Jost, the biggest Walloon transportation company, training agencies, the multimodal operators at Liege Airport, and much more. The site currently employs over 1,000 people of 20 nationalities. “Some of them have been around since Day 1, and their children have now joined them. Sometimes, we have multiple generations working for Skechers Belgium.” It is no coincidence! While Sophie understands that the US-based parent company demands results, she inspires her teams with her unique leadership style, and unwavering optimism. “I consider everyone to be equal, whether an employee or a director. People are proud to be working here, and that is evident from the results.”
The next chapter is being written not far from Herstal, in Bierset. A 230,000m² automated complex has been planned right next to Liege Airport. “It will be one of Europe’s most significant logistics projects in the next few years.” It was Sophie Houtmeyers who convinced the California-based parent company, with the winning argument being the retention of over 1,000 jobs. “I travelled to the US several times to make this point. Staying in Wallonia meant keeping the people there.”
WAB Magazine
