please tell us a little about your background. Where are you originally from? How long did you live and work in Indonesia?
I'm from Holland, born and bred and have three children (three sisters). Two of them live in Holland and the other lives in America, so we're all a little spread worldwide. I went to Holland there are about 10 years with my first stint in Indonesia for about four years, after which I moved to the same company in Vietnam. There are three years I returned to Indonesia. So now for seven-eight years old I live in Indonesia. I did my MBA at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, which now seems a long time ago.
brings you in Jakarta in the first place?
Driven by career ambitions, I was working with Royal FrieslandCampina, now the largest dairy cooperatives in Europe. As part of a potential management program, a position in Indonesia was offered to PT Frisian Flag. The company's belief is that as a senior forward, you need to be taken out of your comfort zone, meaning that you must prove that you are working in a different environment with other people and cultures that you n 'are not familiar with because it will develop your management skills, you need to be adaptable to some extent, while remaining efficient as manager.
How did you land the position of general manager of marketing and communications at Starbucks Indonesia, you've held for the last two years and what the position require of you?
the opportunity presented itself quite "out of the blue." I was immediately interested, as I had been, and still am a great admirer of Starbucks. Curiously brand before joining Starbucks, I have read Onward , a book written by founder Howard Schultz and my wife and I were collectors of Starbucks cups city. Whenever we or our friends / family traveling, we tried to get a Starbucks cup different city. I consider Starbucks a true iconic brand, where no doubt many marketers would like to be involved somehow.
The role Starbucks Coffee Indonesia is very diverse, ranging from food, PR, digital / social media, CRM / loyalty, Advertising and Promotions, all the way up CSR (corporate social responsibility). in order to make all the plans occur, a part of my role is to work together with my team to try to make the most of each one. This mission is accomplished, if anything can "claim" their own success to their area of responsibility. Otherwise, what I want is to bring in the "game changers", which means doing the basic things for the company / organization, in a positive way, will change the way we do business on a long term basis. Our Starbucks Card / Loyalty program is one example.
Roger and part of her Starbucks team
Starbucks native of Seattle, Washington, in 1971 and grew to become an institution in the world. Could you please share the company's history here in Indonesia?
Starbucks Coffee Indonesia opened its first store 12 years ago in the Plaza Indonesia. To be precise, it was 17 e May 2002 Starbucks Coffee Indonesia is operated under PT. Sari Coffee Indonesia, part of the MAP, one of the largest premium lifestyle retailers in Indonesia.
How many outlets are there currently in Indonesia? Do you have other expansion projects?
At present, we have 184 stores across 13 cities in Indonesia, employing about 2,400 people. And yes, we will continue to expand.
I love Starbucks soy milk provides to its customers. Tell us about your customer service values and what the customer to you.
Our famous line is "one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time." What this means for customers is that we want to "connect" with our customers, through a genuine welcoming smile of our baristas to remember your name and your favorite drink until preparing your drink but you like it. Many loyal customers have their favorite drink "clean", an additional syrup pump, a shot of extra espresso or essentially any way you want, you can have it. Customize!
With the expansion comes responsibility. How Starbucks Indonesia remains sustainable? Do you recycle all the paper cups used? What CSR initiatives are you involved?
One of the things I already admired before joining Starbucks is not only their attention to the human aspect, but also their care and concern for the environment and the communities in which Starbucks stores operate. As for the part of the environment, we managed to reduce the number of paper cups used, encouraging our customers to use a cup. To promote this, all 22 e of the month, everyone who visits one of our stores with their throat, get his / her favorite drink for half the price. People love it.
Next, there is a real belief of giving back to the community. As part of this commitment, all Starbucks store partners are involved in various community activities, which can range from simple things like cleaning the beach of Bali, bigger initiatives like Planet water. For each bottle purchased from Starbucks water, part of the proceeds going to the Foundation Water Planet. This way, we can build and install water tanks for areas that do not normally have access to clean water and hygienic and our Starbucks partners are actually involved in the installation of water tanks.
Are you a coffee drinker yourself?
Absolutely, I have at least three cups a day. I ask you, and it already starts at breakfast. I am more in espresso-based drinks. The drink I order the most is a short Americano, with only half of the water, since I like strong coffee. I also enjoy a single or double espresso.
Roger and his wife, Susan Bachtiar, and his son Tristan
Are there new drinks come here Starbucks?
We have just launched a new blended frozen drink called Tiramisu Frappuccino. And basically seven times a year, we introduced new drinks not only for coffee lovers but also for those who are in mixed drinks cold / gentle way.
You are married to a celebrity. How do you manage to be in the spotlight?
Well, it is not difficult at all. It does not happen often, but sometimes it's fun to see the surprised faces of grateful people when we are in public. If people want to have an image, I would probably just end up being the one taking the picture!
And my last question, how do you live a balanced lifestyle in Jakarta? Do you have a favorite getaway weekend in the life of the busy city?
My family is my balance in life. I always look forward to going home to be with my family. My little boy Tristan, who grew up very fast, always manages to put a big smile on my face. Although a handful, I would not miss a second of seeing him grow together with my wife.
I know it's such a standard answer, but I never get bored of Bali. We both love Bali, so every time there is a chance to go, we will go there. It is heaven on earth!
Thank you, Roger. To contact Roger directly, please email: rtvantongeren@gmail.com