Miroslav Okuka led an international team in the challenge to create a state-of-the-art parquet production site in Backa Palanka, Serbia, in just 18 months.Miroslav joined Tarkett after qualifying as an electronics engineer. After several years in maintenance and support roles, in 2004 he took on the responsibility of setting up a new wood production facility in Backa Palanka.

“We made all the connections from beginning to end, from the building to the machinery, logistics through to the product, sales and support” reports Miroslav. “People really are the key. Once you have the right people, you can build a system that works well around them.”

Thanks to transfers of know-how from international colleagues from Sweden and the rest of the Group, the plant began producing parquet in 2005. In its first year of operation, the plant produced 1 million m2, and double that in 2007.

“Sharing expertise is how we’ve developed our managers to deliver an excellent product and great service,” says Miroslav. “I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to develop my experience, responsibility and outlook through the support of an internationally growing Group.”

Following experience in the growth of different parts of Tarkett since 2000, Stéphanie Couture brings an international outlook to her role as Group Legal Counsel.

“While working for Tarkett in America, I supported operations and management on topics such as compliance,” says Stephanie, “and took part in the creation of three joint ventures and the acquisition of FieldTurf.” “Now I liaise with the legal departments of each Division and oversee key Group legal areas such as intellectual property, insurance and mergers and acquisitions,” she adds.

Stephanie’s early career in Tarkett’s North American division gave her precious hands-on operational experience. “Having been in the shoes of the local legal teams, I can have a better understanding of their issues.”

Stephanie moved to the Group’s headquarters in France in 2006. “I’ve seen also the diversity and dynamism of Tarkett in Western and Eastern Europe. Despite Tarkett’s size it is a corporation on a very human scale with a tremendous pool of ideas and energy.”

Roberto Jacono joined Tarkett in 1995 and has since experienced every business function throughout the company, from marketing, sales, finance to the shop floor.

Roberto’s international career to date has been a formative experience – with positions in Luxembourg, Germany, Italy before being promoted to US-based product manager at Johnsonite, in charge of European commercial products sold in North America. “I have worked with people from different countries, with different mindsets. Tarkett is a global company, with an extensive product range and values inherent to the diverse mix of people you work with and for,” he explains.

Roberto has worked with customers worldwide, learning their needs and expectations and helping build their positive experience of Tarkett. As a product manager, Roberto acted as the link between Production and Marketing, “a very interesting position, involving a lot of contact with all the Group’s divisions and departments. The people at Tarkett are open, professional and cooperative,” outlines Roberto. “This is truly an international company, where people think globally.”

Roberto believes that Tarkett is well prepared to face the current economic crisis. “We have a solid foundation, and a customer-centric focus” he adds. “Tarkett knows how to motivate its people and give them pride in belonging to the Group.” Roberto has recently been promoted Marketing Director Germany.