Introducing Jean-François Chartrel, Global Market R&D Leader & Head of EMEA TCS
1) Hi Jean-François, can you please give us an overview of your background and how you arrived at your current role?
Jean-François: Certainly. I’m what is typically called a ‘Senior Scientist’ and I’ve spent most of my career in R&D and Innovation within the Arkema Group, in different roles and supporting different markets worldwide.
I was lucky to be part of the Bostik Engineering Adhesives core team from day one. It covers a wide portfolio of technologies and serves a variety of industries, so it’s full of interest.
2) What are your key responsibilities?
Jean-François: My focus is application and market expertise. I spend most of my time supporting customers and prospects, and sharing my expertise through our training program, the Born2Bond™ Academy.
As Global Market R&D Leader, I am also kept busy coordinating R&D projects across three regions. This is essentially Product Development, with a key objective of being aligned with Bostik’s business priorities.
With the assistance of the Business Development Managers and Marketing teams, who pass on intelligence on the needs and trends of the market, I’m responsible for the Technology Roadmap. This is a bit like forecasting the weekend’s weather, as a lot can depend on the accuracy of our predictions!
Moreover, I manage the EMEA Technical Service, which has three main missions: Product Development support, Customer Service and Technical Marketing. I also maintain and develop the relationship with OEMs and dispensing equipment vendors & partners.
It’s a full-time job!
3) What do you enjoy about your role within the Born2Bond™ team?
Jean-François: It was – and still is – the development of the product portfolio and the launch of the Born2Bond™ range. Starting with a blank page, we've gone on to develop multiple differentiated product ranges: Instant Adhesives, High Performance HMPUR Adhesives, UV-CIPG Gasketing solutions, Structural Adhesives, Anaerobic Adhesives and Service Products too. It’s been long journey, but a highly exciting challenge and a team spirit that fits well with my entrepreneurial character.
I also particularly enjoy the development of new projects with our customers and prospects, from the definition of their requirements to the development and implementation of the solution. And this all takes place in a very competitive environment where it’s important to build strong working relationships to be seen as more than just a ‘solution provider’ but instead to be recognized as a partner and agent of change.
4) What initiatives or projects are you most proud of since joining the Born2Bond™ team?
Jean-François: It’s definitely the Technology Roadmap – the first version of which we developed almost four years ago. It is the tactical, operational document we use to implement our strategy. All of our teams use it and everyone contributes to it in some way.
By definition, the roadmap tells us where we are, where we have come from and where we are going – while trying to avoid obstacles and dead ends – and when we aim to arrive.
When I look back at how far we have come and the number of products developed, I am proud of the accomplishments and excited about the future. A future driven by innovation, sustainability, emerging technologies... simply put, I am very proud to be part of the Born2Bond™ team!
