COO Pieter Ahsman reflects on his first six months: “We show that it can be done differently and more efficiently.”

For the past six months, Pieter Ahsman (61) has strengthened the management team of Swietelsky Rail Benelux as operational director. With extensive experience in infrastructure and rail, and a keen eye for organizational development, he is fully focused on strengthening the Dutch operation.

From growth to maturity

Swietelsky Rail Benelux has experienced strong growth in recent years. According to Pieter, the key now lies in further professionalizing the organization. “We have built a solid position in the market. The next step is to ensure that our organization, processes, and planning align with that.” With his background at KWS, Dura Vermeer (Nedrail), and Assetrail, he brings experience from rapidly growing organizations making the transition to the next phase. He recognizes that development within Swietelsky. “We are sometimes still seen as newcomers, while we have already surpassed the established order in some areas. That is precisely what makes us distinctive. We show that it can be done differently and more efficiently.”

Collaborating in a tight market

As operational director, he is responsible for Heavy Rail & Civil, Integral Projects, Rail Systems, and Civil & Recycling. He sees his role as connective: ensuring that disciplines strengthen each other and projects are managed integrally. “The market is changing rapidly, and the availability of people and equipment is under pressure.” According to Pieter, this requires forward-thinking and integral collaboration. “We need to plan smartly, secure capacity in a timely manner, and optimize collaboration between business units. Only then can we remain agile and reliable towards clients.”

Safety and sustainability as prerequisites

Safety is undeniably the top priority. “Safe working is not an ambition, but a basic requirement. With initiatives such as the zero-emission working group and BSAFE, we continuously work on awareness and a culture of improvement.” Sustainability is also a strategic focus. Electrification of equipment, MKI reduction, and sustainable procurement are playing an increasingly important role. “At the same time, the sector demands realistic choices. We work with capital-intensive equipment with long payback periods. Investments must be responsible and future-oriented.” According to Pieter, the new building of the Civil Works & Recycling business unit offers concrete opportunities: more space for recycling, smarter material management, and reuse within projects.

Future-oriented and balanced

In the coming years, the focus will be on stability and strategic positioning. “Through our integral approach, we can increasingly relieve clients of their burdens.” With a balanced portfolio, from day work to large-scale projects such as Maasvlakte and Maaslijn, Swietelsky Rail Benelux continues to build a solid and future-proof position in the Dutch rail sector. “The key is collaboration,” concludes Pieter. “Internally between our teams, and externally with clients and partners.”