Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Arnold De Witte

Head Of Export
Lochem

Summary

I’m a commercially driven export and merchandising specialist with over a decade of experience in the apparel and promotional products industry — combining deep sourcing expertise with a strong track record in international sales and key account development.

I thrive on building and executing strategies that drive growth across borders. With experience negotiating with global suppliers, managing cross-border logistics, and developing long-term relationships with B2B clients, I understand what it takes to scale brands internationally.

Known for my hands-on mentality and sharp commercial instinct, I lead with clarity, energy, and a relentless focus on results. I’ve successfully helped brands grow market share by identifying new regions, optimizing local partnerships (agents/distributors), and representing the company at international trade shows and events.

I’m now ready to bring my international mindset, relationship-building skills and operational know-how to a brand that wants to expand globally — and make a lasting impact as Head of Export.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages

Work History

Sourcing Manager Europe - Apparel, Promotional

Vistaprint
11.2023 - Current

Responsible for all promotional products and apparel sourcing for the European market, including supplier negotiations, product launches, and sustainability strategy. Acted as a key link between global cross-functional teams, with a strong focus on leadership, operational excellence, and commercial growth.

  • Led all promotional product and apparel sourcing activities across the European market, overseeing supplier relations, sustainability initiatives, and product development.
  • Negotiated high-value contracts and extended payment terms with key European suppliers, significantly improving working capital without compromising service levels.
  • Spearheaded sustainable sourcing strategies, reducing environmental impact while achieving cost savings and meeting corporate responsibility goals.
  • Managed cross-functional teams across global locations to successfully launch new products, onboard suppliers, and implement procurement systems.
  • Developed and executed mid- to long-term sourcing strategies aligned with global business objectives.
  • Conducted supplier audits to evaluate capabilities, assess risks, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Collaborated with internal stakeholders (marketing, finance, legal) to align sourcing plans with broader company goals.
  • Led change management efforts for procurement process transformations, ensuring cross-departmental adoption and system integration.
  • Designed and tracked KPIs with strategic partners to improve quality assurance, supply chain reliability, and vendor accountability.
  • Implemented risk mitigation frameworks to prevent supply disruptions and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Streamlined supplier portfolio and promoted spend transparency across global sourcing operations.


Category Manager Packaging Benelux

Antalis Benelux
10.2022 - 11.2023
  • Developed and launched new packaging products and phased out underperforming SKUs to optimize the assortment for the Benelux market.
  • Served as the first point of contact for all supplier relationships within the packaging category, ensuring alignment on pricing, quality, and delivery.
  • Advised key clients on sustainability topics including CO₂ impact, recyclability, and life cycle assessments (LCA), helping position Antalis as a value-added partner.
  • Delivered product trainings and strategic input to sales teams, improving their ability to consult and sell complex packaging solutions.
  • Participated in client meetings with sales to assess needs and co-develop tailored packaging approaches, including automated on-site packing setups.
  • Collaborated closely with marketing and procurement to align campaigns and inventory planning with market demand.
  • Contributed to the broader category strategy and reported directly to the Team Lead Category Management.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of paper, cardboard, and flexible plastics, tracking market trends and emerging technologies.

Category Manager Promotional Products

Print.com
08.2021 - 10.2022
  • Sourced and developed high-impact product concepts based on market input, competitive analysis, and customer feedback.
  • Negotiated supplier contracts, onboarded new vendors, and ensured full compliance with company policies and ethical standards.
  • Created product roadmaps and long-term assortment strategies aligned with Print.com’s brand positioning and growth ambitions.
  • Led cross-functional collaborations with marketing to launch campaigns and ensure product-market fit.
  • Analyzed ROI, feasibility, and cost structures for new products and improvement initiatives.
  • Initiated and led co-creation workshops with key clients and corporates to generate tailored product solutions.
  • Actively managed relationships with fulfillment partners, identifying operational bottlenecks and driving continuous improvement.
  • Supported daughter companies (incl. international branches) on pricing, stock management, supplier negotiations, and onboarding.
  • Trained and onboarded new colleagues, sharing insights into the European market and PPAG sourcing ecosystem.
  • Improved data quality and product documentation across internal systems to ensure reliable procurement and marketing flow.

Owner/MD

Fiesta Europe
01.2020 - 08.2021
  • Built and managed a team of 8 (marketing, customer service, warehouse staff, interns) to support daily operations and growth initiatives.
  • Developed foundational business processes including inventory control, customer service workflows, and digital marketing strategy.
  • Managed supplier negotiations and international sourcing to improve margins and ensure product availability during volatile market conditions.
  • Gained working knowledge of e-commerce platforms (Magento 2, WooCommerce, WordPress, Wix) and SEO optimization for conversion.
  • Took full responsibility for financial planning, sales performance, and operational execution under pandemic-driven constraints.
  • Learned basic coding skills and collaborated closely with developers to turn commercial concepts into working technical solutions.
  • Established core leadership habits: time management, operational discipline, creative problem-solving, and resilience under pressure.

Area Sales Manager

Anda Western Europe
01.2015 - 01.2020
  • Hired, trained, and managed inside sales teams in the Netherlands and Hungary, steering them toward ambitious growth targets.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with major distributors, printers, and corporate clients across the Benelux region.
  • Acted as key commercial advisor to prospects, key accounts, and international colleagues — combining consultative selling with industry insights.
  • Introduced new products in collaboration with marketing, and led product promotion strategies across Western Europe.
  • Streamlined sales processes and implemented tools to boost efficiency and forecasting accuracy.
  • Analyzed market trends and regional data to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
  • Handled financial oversight of account receivables and supported credit risk decisions.
  • Represented Anda at industry trade shows and events across the Benelux to strengthen market presence.
  • Reported directly to the CEO and board, contributing to sales strategy and growth planning.

Account Manager Benelux

Anda Western Europe
11.2010 - 12.2015
  • Maintained direct contact with prospects and clients via phone, email, and in-person meetings.
  • Reactivated inactive clients through structured outreach, generating new revenue opportunities.
  • Supported sales processes from order intake to delivery tracking, ensuring smooth execution.
  • Handled complaints and claims, resolving issues efficiently while maintaining strong customer relationships.
  • Represented Anda at promotional trade shows across the Benelux.
  • Developed effective working relationships with both customers and internal teams in a high-pressure environment.
  • Demonstrated consistent reliability and initiative, leading to promotion into a regional sales leadership role.

Education

Cert. - Computer And Information Sciences

Harvard University
11.2021 - 11.2022

HBO - Small Business & Retail Management

NTI
01.2010 - 11.2013

Jachtakte - Hunting & Nature Conservation

Stichting Jachtopleiding Nederland
Amersfoort
06.2012 - 11.2013

MBO - Marketing & Communications

Aventus
Deventer
09.2005 - 07.2009

Skills

🔹 Sourcing & Supplier Management
  • Strategic Sourcing & Global Procurement
  • Supplier Selection & Contract Negotiation
  • Supplier Onboarding & Compliance
  • Long-Term Supplier Relationship Management
  • Raw Material & Packaging Purchasing
🔹 Commercial & Market Strategy
  • Product Development & Merchandising
  • Market & Trend Analysis
  • Product Profitability & ROI Assessment
  • Forecasting & Demand Planning
  • Market Positioning & Brand Strategy
🔹 Sales & Account Leadership
  • Key Account Management
  • Negotiation & Deal Structuring
  • Bid Coordination & Tender Management
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Cross-functional Collaboration (Sales, Marketing, Ops)
🔹 Project & Team Management
  • Project Management (cross-border)
  • Strategic Planning & Execution
  • Team Leadership & Coaching
  • Trade Show Representation & Partner Events
  • Process Optimization & Efficiency Improvements

Software

Microsoft Office

Contentful

Qlikview/QlikSense

Tableau

Virtual Studio Code

Wordpress/Woocommerce

Magento 20

Microsoft Windows

MacOS

Jira

Slack

Airtable

Pivotal

Ahrefs

ChatGPT

Odoo

Google Spreadsheets

Looker

Additional Information

Thank you for considering my profile. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your international growth strategy. Please feel free to reach out via phone, email, or LinkedIn.


Best regards,


Arnold de Witte

Timeline

Sourcing Manager Europe - Apparel, Promotional

Vistaprint
11.2023 - Current

Category Manager Packaging Benelux

Antalis Benelux
10.2022 - 11.2023

Cert. - Computer And Information Sciences

Harvard University
11.2021 - 11.2022

Category Manager Promotional Products

Print.com
08.2021 - 10.2022

Owner/MD

Fiesta Europe
01.2020 - 08.2021

Area Sales Manager

Anda Western Europe
01.2015 - 01.2020

Jachtakte - Hunting & Nature Conservation

Stichting Jachtopleiding Nederland
06.2012 - 11.2013

Account Manager Benelux

Anda Western Europe
11.2010 - 12.2015

HBO - Small Business & Retail Management

NTI
01.2010 - 11.2013

MBO - Marketing & Communications

Aventus
09.2005 - 07.2009
Arnold De WitteHead Of Export