Interview with Joep Bovens, COO of EMI Group
1. Can you share a bit about your background and what inspires you as a leader?
I strongly believe that people inspire people. For me, leadership is about working with people, learning from them, and achieving results together across all levels of an organization. I believe in open conversations and collaboration with everyone, from the frontline to the boardroom.
I started my career in consultancy around 2000, working in IT project management and later in facility management at ISS for more than 15 years. Throughout my professional journey, I have always been drawn to challenges that push me beyond my comfort zone.
2. You have undertaken and even organized several challenging expeditions. How have these experiences influenced your approach to leadership?
Expeditions have played a significant role in shaping my leadership philosophy. One of my long-cherished dreams was to organize an independent expedition to become the first Dutch team to cross the Greenland icecap from South to North using kites. The goal of this project was to raise awareness of how accessible sustainable energy sources can be.
In May and June of 2008, our team successfully covered nearly 2,500 km in just 32 days, supported by sponsorships and partnerships, including the WWF. Additionally, I have been part of a climbing team with three close friends, opening seven routes in the Oibala mountain range, a remote part of the Pamir Alai in Kyrgyzstan. Our five first ascents were officially acknowledged by the American Alpine Journal.
Some people aspire to run a marathon – I wanted the challenge of total self-sufficiency in extreme conditions. In these remote environments, where help could take a week to arrive, you learn to rely entirely on your own skills and resilience.
These experiences have shaped my management style and more than that, my way of interacting and communicating with people around me. In a tent with a small group, there’s no option to walk away from difficult conversations. You have to be open, transparent, and collaborative to move forward. I bring this same philosophy to business: authenticity, persistence, respect for every opinion, and fostering a culture of proper dialogue. Success is not just about reaching the goal but about the experience of working with people along the way.
3. What attracted you to join EMI Group, and what excites you most about this new role?
Definetely The people. From my very first conversations, I felt a strong connection to EMI Group’s leadership and vision. There’s a tangible, customer-focused, service-driven mentality here that resonates with me. People work for people, not just for a company, and that dynamic is very present at EMI Group. In addition to that, Innova, as an investor, brings valuable expertise and a strategic perspective on growth. Their approach aligns with EMI’s culture, ensuring that expansion is not just about acquisition but about strengthening the companies and their people.
I also see this as a big challenge—like one of my expeditions. Just as I was drawn to crossing Greenland, I am drawn to being part of EMI’s journey. Within my first two weeks, I already felt welcomed and integrated into the company.
4. What do you see as the biggest opportunities for collaboration and growth within EMI Group’s companies?
EMI Group provides a framework for security and sustainable growth while allowing
companies to evolve beyond their original strengths.
The greatest opportunities lie in ensuring business continuity and fostering development—both of the companies and the teams within them. Founder-managers remain closely involved, ensuring that the unique expertise and entrepreneurial spirit of each company are preserved.
This isn’t just a financial transaction: several companies becoming part of one unique structure; it’s about harnessing the collective knowledge and power of these businesses. EMI Group respects the autonomy of its companies, enabling them to continue doing what makes them great while benefiting from the shared resources of the group.
5. From your perspective, what sets EMI Group apart in the access systems market?
Customer focus and service excellence. EMI Group offers bespoke solutions tailored to specific needs, something that larger, corporate players struggle to match. The diversity of products and the ability to transfer knowledge across companies create a unique competitive advantage.
Rather than simply selling products, EMI Group builds relationships, ensuring that customers receive tailored, high-quality solutions backed by deep expertise.
6. How do you approach creating sustainable, future-proof solutions in a complex organization like EMI Group?
Success at EMI Group is directly linked to the success of the companies within it. To build long-term sustainability, the first priority is to learn from the founders and understand what has made these companies thrive. Only then can we make informed decisions about where to focus efforts for growth.
Transparency and structure are essential. Rather than imposing rigid processes, the focus is on identifying areas for improvement while allowing each company to maintain its operational strengths. Digitalization plays a crucial role, not just in efficiency but in aggregating meaningful data to serve investors, owners, and teams alike.
And, of course, there has to be a little fun along the way.
7. What makes EMI Group an attractive opportunity for potential new companies?
For founders considering integration into EMI Group, the appeal lies in continuity, stability, and the opportunity to grow while maintaining their company’s unique identity. EMI Group provides a strong foundation that supports long-term success while ensuring that employees feel secure and valued.
Another key advantage is autonomy. Rather than imposing a rigid structure, EMI Group allows companies to retain their operational strengths while benefiting from shared expertise and resources.
Moreover, EMI Group fosters a forward-thinking approach, helping companies envision their next stage of development. It’s not just about joining a larger entity; it’s about evolving in a way that aligns with the founders’ vision and ambitions. EMI Group is committed to helping companies grow stronger while preserving their core strengths.
