Peter - Senior Vice-President, Internal Systems

"We are an organisation based on empowerment, and if employees are skilled and work for it, their opinions will be heard and they will have real influence on important decisions."

Peter Sørensen - Senior Vice-President, Internal Systems, with SimCorp since February 1999

I am the Senior Vice-President for our internal IT department called Internal Systems. We have the responsibility for the technical infrastructure and internal applications in SimCorp.

I am a member of SimCorp's Senior Management Team, a team comprising executive
management, general managers of our subsidiaries as well as managers of the larger departments in the head office.

I came from a bank employing over 10.000 employees to a company with a little over 450 employees - so for me that was paradise! I had been in the bank for 12 years and it had taken me about as long to establish a good network in the organisation. The thought of going through this difficult process again in another bank was not motivating. Creating a great network in SimCorp was a piece of cake, especially given our flat and informal organisation and our culture that promotes a very open and direct communication and an open door policy. We have a lot of emphasis not only on work, but on having a good time with your colleagues. I think the important issue here is the fact that you usually spend more time with your colleagues than you do with your family, and if work is not fun, you have a problem.

My career development

I have had quite a few different positions here. When I first came to SimCorp my biggest aspiration in life - job-wise - was to live in the US, and after just two years with SimCorp, I found myself in the position as a general manager starting up our US subsidiary. It was in 2001 and right in the middle of a recession, so things took a little longer than anticipated, but we got it kicked off and I had a blast in the seven years I worked in SimCorp USA.

When I returned from the States, I took a completely new role as head of Internal Systems, and I think that is one of the good things about SimCorp. I had absolutely no experience in this field, but if the company believes in you, then you will get the opportunity. If you want a certain job, in some companies you have to have prior experience - in SimCorp we are willing to try you out if you have the talent.

The best thing about working at SimCorp

Personal and professional development. If you grasp it, you will get the opportunity here. In many senses, we are still a small company, but this also gives you many possibilities to develop, and here you are given the chance if you show your drive.

The fact that SimCorp is a growth company makes it very attractive. We have had many successes, and it is always great to be part of a success. We are ambitious, and you will not end up in a maintenance shop here. Things are constantly changing, and I am the kind of person who likes that. I also like the fact that the staff is treated really well here.

A market contender

As far as being a market contender, I think we are the head of the pack. Every time I asked the competitors in the US, "Who is your fiercest competitor?", they said "YOU!" The accounts that we have won and the reviews that we get from analysts are a clear indicator that we have a market-leading offering.

Talented people only stay in a company where they can see development. When they start in a company, it usually does not take long before they want to be able to see the next step in their career. It could be years ahead, but they want to be able to see it. We have a culture and great tools that makes this possible. And being a growth company makes it a little easier.

We have excellent internal training programs for both personal and professional development. We have specific programs aimed at talented people to ensure that they develop their skills to the mutual benefit of themselves and the organisation. And we have a formalised set-up for evaluating performance and planning future personal and professional development initiatives.

Besides professional and personal development and the great feeling of being part of a success, the company offers a great working climate and great facilities to its employees.

After-hours activities

I like to take part in the social after-hours activities. I am for instance a drummer in one of the company bands and I plan to use our new fitness room in the future.

Expectations when hiring talent to my department

I expect commitment, enthusiasm and flexibility. You can expect that two days will never be the same, and when we have important projects and activities, it is important for me to know that I have a committed team behind me. Willingness to learn is also an important trait.