Meet Annemiek
'As a finance specialist at Action, my focus is much broader than just the numbers.'
Annemiek Kager, Group Business Controller Real EstateAbout Annemiek
With a degree in International Hospitality Management, Annemiek Kager always thought that her heart lay in the hotel industry – until a good friend persuaded her to join Action. She started out as a specialist in capital expenditure almost five years ago, and recently took up the role of Group Business Controller Real Estate.
The hotel industry and retail. Aren't these two different worlds?
'They're two totally different worlds! However, I'd been doing debtor administration and internal audits for years. What's more, there was no more room for growth at my previous employer, and I needed some excitement and fresh motivation. Retail intrigued me because it's a world that's constantly changing. Dutch retail chains, in particular, have often found times tough in recent years. Action, on the other hand, is doing really well and continues to grow. Working in the hotel industry has also allowed me to gain knowledge and experience in areas such as hospitality and how best to deal with people. This benefits my career as a whole, and these skills are also a great fit at Action.'
Why did you switch to Group Business Controller Real Estate?
'In my previous role, I managed Action's investments and became familiar with all the company's various activities. I discovered an interest in the real estate side of things; the stores and distribution centres. So when a colleague left the position I currently hold, I thought: this is my chance.'
What responsibilities do you have in your new role?
'My team mainly creates analyses and reports on our properties to help us determine exactly where we stand financially. As an example, we monitor the investment proposal when opening a new store. We look at whether the expenditure is in line with the planned budget. Even before that, though, we investigate whether opening a store in the location in question is even profitable, how high the rent is, what we can expect in terms of staff costs, and how long it will take to recover the investment. In addition, we monitor profit and loss statements, which can be challenging in these times of soaring materials costs, rents and energy prices. How can we ensure such costs stay as low as possible?' The great thing about this role is that it goes beyond just the numbers. You can be involved in all sorts of discussions and learn about a whole host of new things, such as the logistical benefits of opening a distribution centre in Poland, or the new laws and regulations that apply when opening a store in Spain. This role helps me to keep broadening my horizons, and it suits me down to the ground. I don't want to become CEO necessarily. I like having lateral options.'
'I don't want to become CEO necessarily. I like having lateral options.'
Is there a particular moment in the year you really look forward to?
'Once a year between November and February, everyone at our headquarters has a "store day", where you spend one working day at an Action store of your choice. I really love Christmas and was delighted to help restock the shelves right before the holiday season last time round. On my first store day five years ago, I also helped out with closing the tills, which is very interesting for a finance specialist like myself. I love store days, as you can get away from the office for a bit and immerse yourself in where it all happens. I think the store days say a lot about Action as an employer, too. Despite its rapid growth, Action is still the same down-to-earth family business where everyone is treated equally. In 2022, we opened almost 300 new stores. At such times it is very clear that we are all needed to make that happen, from store employees to the CFO.'