Celebrating five years of Marketing creativity at WDP: A journey with Norbert Padt
Every day, I strive to enhance our clients’ experiences by crafting communication concepts and campaigns that make them feel valued. Discover my journey at WDP.
Hello, I’m Norbert Padt, the Head of Marketing at WDP, and I’m thrilled to celebrate my five-year anniversary with this incredible company. Splitting my time between the charming city of Ghent in Belgium and the bustling metropolis of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, I have found a home at WDP, where innovation and creativity thrive.
My Journey to WDP
Before joining WDP, I had the privilege of working with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including BMW, American Express, Antwerp Diamonds, and Nespresso. My career path led me through various industries and continents, from the USA to EMEA and APAC, enriching my perspective on effective marketing strategies. It was during my tenure as Head of Marketing at Cushman & Wakefield that I first encountered WDP. A memorable moment was participating in the Immorun, a renowned running event for real estate professionals, where I noticed a vibrant group sporting WDP logos. Their camaraderie and energy were infectious, prompting me to explore WDP further. Discovering they were seeking a Head of Marketing, I applied, and here I am, five years later, thriving in a place that feels like home.
Crafting unforgettable experiences
Every day, I strive to enhance our clients’ experiences by crafting communication concepts and campaigns that make them feel valued. My passion lies in creating unforgettable moments through events, a philosophy I call “moments marketing.” By focusing on the details and infusing creativity into every interaction, I aim to make each moment, big or small, worth celebrating. This approach not only delights our clients but also unburdens them, allowing them to concentrate on their core activities.
Gratitude and smiles
Our clients often express gratitude not only for the legendary events we host, such as start-to-build celebrations and client gatherings, but also for the exceptional relationships we cultivate throughout the entire customer journey. We pride ourselves on offering tailor-made solutions that meet our clients’ unique needs. By paying meticulous attention to detail, we ensure that each event is unique and memorable, with the fun factor always present. Seeing smiles on our clients’ faces is the ultimate reward, reflecting the strong bonds and personalized service we provide.
Signature moments
Reflecting on my five years at WDP, I’m particularly proud of the marketing transformation we’ve achieved together. I began my journey during the challenging Covid period, when only basic marketing structures were in place. This presented a unique opportunity to elevate WDP’s marketing efforts to new heights. From launching innovative campaigns and communication tools to organizing professional events, we’ve made significant strides. My very first project, the Global Distribution Center for Barry Callebaut in Lokeren, was a standout achievement that garnered substantial media attention. With state-of-the-art automation and temperature-controlled facilities, it offered a wealth of compelling content to capture media interest.
Another key moment for me was the introduction of our ‘start to build’ event concept during the construction of BigBox in the Port of Ghent. This concept has become a signature format for our projects, bringing joy to clients and teams alike. The BigBox project, a massive warehouse spanning over 150,000 sqm, has become the largest single rooftop solar park in Europe, making it extra special as it is close to my hometown.
Colleague’s insights
My colleagues might describe me as an idea and concept generator, always eager to help and push boundaries. While my impatience for progress can sometimes be overwhelming, I believe life’s too short to be boring. I thrive on change and love juggling multiple projects, embracing the excitement of new challenges.
Beyond the office
I’m known at WDP and beyond as an avid traveler, always eager to seize opportunities to explore the world. In fact, our CEO recently joked about doing a “Norbertke,” referring to my habit of hopping from one destination to another in quick succession. Outside of work, you’ll find me indulging in my passion for gastronomy, whether it’s savoring exquisite dishes or hosting friends with culinary delights. I also have a keen eye for styling, ensuring that everything I do is infused with a touch of elegance. Staying active is a priority for me, so you’ll often catch me at the gym or on a plane, infusing fun and humor into every aspect of life. Exploring new cultures and destinations is not just a hobby; it’s a way of life that keeps me inspired and energized.
As I celebrate this milestone, I’m grateful for the journey and excited for the future at WDP. Let’s continue creating moments worth celebrating!