Meet our new Nordic Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Schack

We are delighted to welcome a new member of the Nordic Executive Committee, Chief Commercial Officer Philip Schack.

Philip brings to our company a strong commercial mind-set and extensive international management experience. We met Philip to learn about his ambitions and thoughts on becoming part of the BNP Paribas Personal Finance family.

Welcome, Philip, would you share a few words about yourself?

Yes, of course. I have previous experience with managing a sales organisation across countries and cultures, as a Scandinavian Commercial Director. And I have worked in a French owned company before, so I feel comfortable with – and genuinely appreciate – the international framework.

I have long track record with car rental and leasing, an industry which has similarities with BNP Paribas Personal Finance in terms of having strong long-term business relationships with clients, and in terms of being a service provider.

We work in a bank, but I also perceive us as a service provider, as we have a mission to help as many people as possible realising their projects, in a responsible way.

What are you looking forward to mostly in your new position?

I look forward to contribute to the Nordic journey, to empower the Nordic Sales organisation, and to help the company to become the preferred choice of financial services for our partners, as well, as for private individuals.

What are your ambitions for the department, and what will be your first move?

My ambition for the commercial department is to build one united team. To create a shared vision for the department, to ensure that everyone is familiar with our long-term strategy, and that every single person understands how she or he can contribute to our strategy individually.

What are the main qualities of a Nordic Chief Commercial Officer?

The commercial mind-set. To put the customer at the centre of everything and a to have solid understanding of the Nordic market and its customers.

A “one size fits all” approach does not work for the Nordic region. It is crucial to acknowledge the diverse cultures and local trends which act and rule each market. Markets are not stagnant which is why you also need to be able to predict the projects of the future and what the customers are looking for tomorrow: How will the sustainability agenda impact our business and offers? What will the customers demand of us, and how can we contribute to this agenda?

In terms of people management I believe in acting in a clear and transparent manner. A manager of today needs to combine IQ with EQ, to be able to listen, involve and create engagement. I like to foster a working culture of “freedom to take responsibility”, meaning that you empower people to grow by clear responsibility delegation and clear decision-making authority.

What are your thoughts about working at BNP Paribas Personal Finance?

I am actually quite humble about the challenge and opportunity, which has been given me and to enter a group of this size. After one month I already feel proud of being part of the group and the fact that we promote responsible lending.

Our business model is not about promoting overconsumption, it is about supporting our customers in making good decisions.