My ability to coach, mentor others took me to the top — Agulueokoye

Christian Agulueokoye is the Head of Life Cycles Services (LCS) at the Krones West Africa, a food and beverages equipment manufacturing company. He was recently given a Long Service Award by the company after serving meritoriously for 20 years. He spoke with MOYOSORE SALAMI on the award and why Krones West Africa is waxing stronger despite Nigeria’s economic challenges, among others.

How has it been since joining Krones West Africa in 2004? It has been a very interesting journey. When I joined Krones in 2004, the company was just three years old in Nigeria, with staff strength of about 15 workers. It was still in its early stages of establishing itself in the region.



Today, Krones LCS Centre West Africa has grown tremendously, now boasting over 205 employees. The company has evolved into a significant player in the industry, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to such a great project in West Africa. What has kept you going since you joined the company in 2004? The work environment at Krones is a major factor.

It is more than just a workplace; it is like a family. There is a strong sense of connection and purpose in what we do. We used to have a slogan – we do more – which truly reflects our dedication to going above and beyond.

The passion I have for my work, combined with the company’s recognition and appreciation, has made these 20 years feel much shorter.The supportive atmosphere under the leadership of my boss and mentor, Mr. Helmut Rumm, has made it a pleasure to come to work every day.

What unique qualities did the company see in you to make you qualify for this award? The company recognised several qualities in me, including empathy and dedication. They saw that I could adapt to different situations and maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction. I have always been customer-centric, driven to ensure that our customers are happy and their needs are met.

Additionally, they appreciated my ability to coach and mentor others. But one quality I hold dear is the empathy they noticed in me, the ability to connect with people and understand their needs, whether they are customers or colleagues. Whom would you consider to be your mentors? Over the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of being guided by several exceptional individuals.

My Managing Director, Mr. Helmut Rumm, stands out as my primary mentor. He has been there every step of the way, guiding me, showing me how things work, and supporting my growth both professionally and personally.

I would also like to acknowledge the influence of Mr. Johan Scheepers and Mr. Thomas Mandle, who have played crucial roles in my career development.

How do you see the company when you joined 20 years ago and now? What structural changes have you noticed? The changes have been significant. Back in 2004, Nigeria had a population of around 120 to 130 million people, and our industry, which revolves around food and beverage equipment, is driven by population growth. As the population has grown, so has the demand for our products and services.

This has led to the expansion of our operations and service offerings. One of the most notable transitions has been the shift from traditional service methods to digital solutions. In the past, we relied heavily on physical support, but now we can connect remotely to solve issues, providing more efficient and timely service.

This shift is a testament to how Krones has embraced technology and innovation to stay ahead. What makes Krones West Africa different from its competitors? Krones is a global company and we maintain the same high standards across all our operations. Our engineers receive top-notch training, both abroad and locally.

In Nigeria, we have established partnerships with institutions like IIT for training, which is part of our commitment to corporate social responsibility. This ensures that we have highly skilled local experts who can provide world-class services to our customers. This combination of global standards and local expertise is what sets Krones West Africa apart from our competitors.

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