This year, Simon Wasum, our COO, marks an exceptional milestone: 30 years with us.
Three decades in one company are more than a career. They tell a story of trust, curiosity and continuous learning, across countries, cultures, and complex projects.
From starting out as a project coordinator in Germany to leading global operations today, Simon’s journey reflects what deugro stands for: long-term commitment, hands-on learning, and the belief that people make the difference.
Simon joined deugro in 1996, starting his career as a project coordinator in Germany. Early on, he was given an opportunity that would define his path: moving abroad and learning the business where it happens, on the ground.
“I started as a project coordinator in Germany. After two years, I was sent to Singapore with a one-way ticket, where I truly learned the business from the ground up.”
Working across Southeast Asia and later in China, Simon gained hands-on experience in project execution, leadership, and responsibility. These roles were demanding, but formative, shaping both his professional mindset and leadership approach.
“Each chapter has shaped how I lead today: with empathy, resilience, and a deep respect for local expertise. I’m truly still a project freight forwarder at heart.”
Over the years, Simon moved from project management roles into country and regional leadership, and eventually into his current global role as COO, overseeing deugro’s worldwide operations and corporate functions.
Despite the scale of responsibility, one thing has remained constant: the importance of our working culture at deugro.
“It’s a culture of trust, teamwork and excellence. We empower people to take ownership, challenge the status quo and grow through experience.”
For Simon, what makes deugro unique is its ability to combine global standards with local insight, a balance that is essential in project logistics.
Reflecting on moments of personal and professional growth, Simon points to his time in Asia as especially defining. Managing projects and country operations across such a vast region came with significant challenges.
These experiences helped clarify his direction and reinforced values that continue to guide his leadership today.
“What shaped me the most was my time in China, being overall responsible for all project activities and country management for such a vast region. It was tough, challenging, but a very rewarding experience.”
Simon’s 30-year journey is closely connected to deugro’s broader story. As the company continues a legacy of more than 100 years of operations, he sees continuity and adaptability as key reasons for its longevity.
For Simon, this combination is what has kept deugro relevant for a century, and what will continue to drive the company forward.
When asked what advice he would give to those just starting their career at deugro or in project logistics, Simon’s message is simple and timeless.
“The most valuable lessons often come from stepping outside your comfort zone and listening more than you speak.”
Inspired by Simon’s Journey?
Thirty years at one company are not built on coincidence. They are built on curiosity, trust and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone, again and again.
“Be curious. Be humble. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit what you don’t know.”
Simon’s story shows what can grow from being given responsibility early, learning hands-on and working with people who trust you to find a way, wherever in the world that may be.
If you are looking for a place where experience is shared, people are trusted and careers grow over time, deugro might be the next chapter of your journey.
Because every long story starts with a first step. Take your next step with us.
