I Am Tenneco

Victor de Sousa

Position: Plant Manager

Location: Palmela, Portugal

With Tenneco Since: 1994

Job Description: Manages Tenneco's Just-in-Time plant for emission control

As a 20-year soccer player, Victor de Sousa knows what it means to be part of a team. As plant manager in Palmela, he starts his morning with a huddle to discuss the game plan for the day.

What has made you successful?
I consider myself very approachable. I make sure everyone knows we are working for the same objective. My accessibility gives them the support they need to reach their goals.

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?
Our safety record is something I am proud of. While results, focus and revenue are always important, nothing is as important as the safety of our people.

What motivates you in terms of your role at Tenneco? Tenneco employees are pioneers for new ideas. The organization is constantly changing because of new technologies and manufacturing, allowing for new ideas and perspectives. It is truly dynamic.

What is the best advice you've ever received?
Respect people. In fact, you should learn as much as possible from people who have experience. Always stay positive -- being negative gets you nowhere.

Fabio Fazio

Position: Marketing Director, Aftermarket, South and Central Europe

Location: Milan, Italy

With Tenneco Since: 1998

Job Description: Coordinates sales and marketing activities for Central and South Europe aftermarket.

Fabio Fazio has a winning team. Under his guidance, the sales forces in southern and central Europe have distinguished themselves within Tenneco and the industry.

What has made you successful?
My team is responsible for my success. Our relationship is based upon ongoing and open communication. We are comfortable facing both good times and challenging times together, and we motivate each other to reach new heights.

What is most challenging about your job?
Pressure from customers to be quicker and reach higher levels of performance is one of our biggest challenges. This, combined with the pressure we place on each other to succeed, can be very stressful for our team. As a leader, it is my job to maintain a proper motivational environment where we can move past the stress and get the job done.

What motivates you in terms of your role at Tenneco?
Results – it is my fuel. Reaching our target is a great motivation for me. Knowing our success was a team effort also is a great feeling. It is especially rewarding when there is positive feedback from the team, the company and the customers.

What do you think separates Tenneco from its competitors?

Carmelo Anaya

Position: Plant Manager

Location: Valencia, Spain

With Tenneco Since: 1989

Job Description:

Carolyn Royce

Position: Director, Corporate and Global HR Programs

Location: Global headquarters, Lake Forest, Illinois

With Tenneco Since: June 1991

Job Description: Responsible for HR support to the corporate headquarters and global HR programs, which includes performance management, employee development and succession planning.

Since joining Tenneco in June 1991, Carolyn Royce has had an up-close view of just about every aspect of the company. Originally hired as an accounting supervisor, Royce worked as a controller, quality manager and plant manager, before ultimately moving to Lake Forest in July 2005 to join the global HR department. Her background in operations gives her a unique perspective on the needs of Tenneco's employees worldwide.

How did someone with an accounting background move into global HR?
I began my Tenneco career at Rancho Suspension in Long Beach, California. Since the office was relatively small, I was given the opportunity to do many things. I worked both on the business side and on the operations side before eventually becoming the plant manager. Along the way, I discovered that HR is where my passion lies and I was ultimately able to make the move.

What do you consider the main focus of your job?
One of the biggest parts of my job is to recruit quality people to the company, and then make sure we train them and give them the tools they need to advance and become our future leaders. We have a fairly mature work force and there are a lot of people in the company who will likely retire five years from now. Part of my job involves succession planning - making sure we have up-and-coming people ready to take the spots when they open.

What is the most challenging part of your job?
We want to put people in the right places in the organization. Part of that challenge is to ensure that once employees are in their roles, we provide the proper training so they continue to develop their skills.

Is there a moment you are most proud of?
One of the things I feel most proud of was my involvement with the Tenneco Leadership Program, an initiative that began in 2002 with a goal of developing leadership at all ranks of the company. The program made a huge impact on people, not only influencing how they interacted with their co-workers, but the way they acted away from work as well. To this day, people say it was the best training they ever had.

Thanks to my involvement in the program, I was one of the inaugural winners of Tenneco's Shadow Award in 2004, which was a special moment for me.

What makes Tenneco so special?
It is without question the people. From those on the shop floor all the way up to the CEO, we have very genuine people who want to succeed and want to see their co-workers succeed. As people come into the organization and see the teamwork, they want to be a part of it and tend to stay for a long time.

What is the best piece of advice you've received?
A former supervisor of mine always stressed the importance of being prepared. When you enter into a situation - regardless of what it is - make sure you go into it prepared. If you have anticipated all the possible scenarios, questions or problems in advance, you are going to come out of it okay. I took that to heart and always try to be prepared.

What do you do to relax?
I grew up around horses and continue to have horses in my life. I have a 6-year old daughter and together we have just begun taking riding lessons, which is a lot of fun. Also, my husband and I each have our pilot's license. We have a small plane and we like to fly when we get the chance.

Ruth Latham

Position: Project Engineer - Advanced Engineering and Converter Development

Location: North America Emission Control Engineering Center, Grass Lake, Michigan

With Tenneco Since: September 2004

Job Description: Identifies and develops new designs, materials, and design tools for emission control systems. Also works with the process excellence team to teach and model design for Six Sigma principals and tools within the emission control engineering community.

Ruth Latham is Grass Lake's resident expert on support mat, the material used to hold the monolithic emissions control components in place. She develops tests and protocols to evaluate these materials. The data from the tests is used to develop predictive tools so that hot-end development engineers can determine which materials will be most robust under their design conditions.

What brought you to Tenneco?
I received a master's degree in engineering with a focus in fuel cell diagnostics from the University of Victoria in British Columbia. I was interested in getting into the automotive industry, working in a part of the business that was environmentally friendly. Emissions control was appealing because the positive impact was so immediate.

What has changed during your time at Tenneco?
Our market has changed significantly since I started working here. When I started, I was working mostly with passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Now I focus on the commercial vehicle market. There are many new challenges that come with that transition because the requirements for passenger cars and commercial vehicles are so different.

What motivates you?
Seeing the work I do makes a real difference in people's lives is empowering. For example, a few months ago, I was energized when I read an article about the correlation between stricter emission regulations and the decline in death rates in the elderly and asthma in young people. Knowing that the products Tenneco produces improve air quality and help people to breathe a little bit easier motivates me.

What is it about the Tenneco culture that is so special?
There are many experienced and knowledgeable people who work at Tenneco. On the engineering side the knowledge base is pretty incredible and the drive for excellence is high. As a member of the team you get to work with very driven people.

Is there a moment you are most proud of?
Having the chance to be involved with a new manufacturing and design process like the one we created for Caterpillar is something I am proud to have been a part of.

When you think about the development of the process - from its infancy through the beginning of production in Seward, Nebraska - and realize you were a part of it, it is pretty exciting.

What is a typical day like?
I do something different every day. My job is similar to internal consulting. On a daily basis, I work on projects to continuously improve our emission control designs and design processes, but if there is a problem either in production, validation or design, or if a customer has an unusual request, I am called in to take a look.

Mark Kortz

Position: Manager of Prototype and Facility Operations

Location: North America Emission Control Engineering Center, Grass Lake, Michigan

With Tenneco Since: 1990

Job Description: Responsible for the oversight of prototype operations - where all new technology and customer orders are built.

If an engineer in North America develops a new idea for an emissions control technology, it is a good bet that Mark Kortz and his staff will have a hand in building it. As the manager of prototype and facility operations in Grass Lake, Kortz and his group are charged with the responsibility of making an engineer's design come to life.

What brought you to Tenneco?
I was working as a police officer before coming to Tenneco in 1990. I had some additional education in mechanical engineering and was looking for a way to use it. I also wanted a more stable lifestyle. Tenneco had some positions open doing hands-on work, and I was hired as a model maker. I was promoted to my current position as manager of prototype and facility operations in 1997.

What is the most exciting part of your job?
We are on the front line of all new technologies and we've had a big hand in building them. From XNOxTM to T.R.U.E.-Clean® and now to the collaboration with Caterpillar and the locomotive teams, my group gets the opportunity to take the engineers' designs and actually build them. It is great to see a concept become reality.

What has made you successful?
I think many of the qualities that have helped me at Tenneco come from my law-enforcement experience. Working in the prototype environment, if you have an issue or problem, you need to make a decision quickly - sometimes with limited information at your disposal. I think I am able to make those decisions and communicate them well as we develop plans to keep a project moving forward.

Is there a moment you are most proud of?
In 2004, I was one of the inaugural winners of The Shadow Award, Tenneco's award to recognize those people who cast shadows inspiring co-workers to embrace the Tenneco Leadership Program culture, vision and values. Winning the award means a great deal to me, especially since the nomination came from my co-workers.

What is it about the Tenneco culture that is so special?
It is a great organization and I think the world of the people I work with. I would put my staff here up against anybody. I have been here 20 years and my wife, Lisa, has been with Tenneco in Jackson, Michigan for 10 years. There is a great collection of dedicated people who will jump through hoops to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

What do you enjoy away from Tenneco?
My wife, Lisa, and I have twins - John and Paige - and they are our main focus. I coach my son's baseball team and my daughter's softball team. My focus on my family is the strongest part of my life.

Didier Longret

Position: Business Development Director, Aftermarket Europe

Location: European Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium

With Tenneco Since: 1979

Job Description: Development of products and services for existing and new markets

A Tenneco employee for 30 years, Didier helped develop Tenneco's business in Spain and France before being appointed to his current pan-European role. Outside of work, he supports local education as an avid member of the French branch of the Rotary Club.

How does your role contribute to Tenneco's success overall?
Through my long tenure with Tenneco, I have been able to contribute to the growth in different European markets. I believe the most important function of a global company's success is coordination. My goal is to ensure that the aftermarket team has a consistent vision and plan for success.

What is most challenging about your job?
The market changes quickly. Our new technologies are evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers. This means that the aftermarket team must always work together to ensure the best results for our customers.

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?
About 15 years ago, I helped build a distribution and sales center in Madrid, Spain. The success in Spain motivated me to take on the same challenge in France. Today, we have proven sales and management teams in those countries.

What do you think separates Tenneco from its competitors?
Tenneco is highly recognized worldwide for having strong products and manufacturing. Behind this well-earned great reputation is Tenneco's team of people who make things happen for our customers.

What is the best advice you've ever received?
Take the time to learn about different cultures - this will give you a better understanding of the people you work with. To create a successful work environment, you must be able to recognize and leverage the value of a diverse team.

Adinda Van Praet

Position: Human Resoures Director, Ride Control Europe

Location: Sint Truiden, Belgium

With Tenneco Since: 2004

Job Description: Manages HR for Ride Control Europe

An avid runner, Adinda knows that sometimes you need to push through the pain to go the extra distance. She applies this motivation to her work life, tackling new problems everyday. In both her hobby and job, her perseverance allows her to exceed expectations.

What motivates you in terms of your role at Tenneco?
I enjoy seeing employees support one another and develop as a team. It's great when you see new people evolve and contribute to Tenneco's success.

What had made you successful?
I have a lot of passion for my job.

How does your role contribute to Tenneco's success overall?
In HR, it's all about finding, attracting and developing the right people. Our HR department and process plays an important role in growing a strong team here in Europe.

What do you think separates Tenneco from its competitors?
It's the mentality, attitude and informal network that set Tenneco apart. Also, I believe the HR process we use is very special. From a personal perspective, I can say there is room for individual development, allowing me to use my creativity and explore new boundaries.

Do you see any links between your hobbies and your work life?
Yes, I am a very goal-oriented person. When I run, I always have a goal to achieve-to reach the finish line. Of course there are always bad days, but as long as you have the proper mindset, it's possible to reach your goals.

Brandon Smith

Position: Senior Corporate Counsel

Location: Global headquarters, Lake Forest, Illinois

With Tenneco Since: July 2008

Job Description: Partners with Tenneco's functional groups and strategic business units to maximize opportunity and mitigate risk

Smith's expansive hobbies - travel, politics, and two Ford Mustangs (one undergoing restorations) - complement his career at Tenneco. His role in the legal department and his active lifestyle keep him busy - he references the saying "the man who graduates today and stops learning tomorrow, is uneducated the day after."

What is a typical day for you at Tenneco?
One of the great things about my job is that it changes day to day. One day I will come in and work on a finance transaction, another day I will help to implement various measures across the world to make sure Tenneco is continuing to strive toward our industries best practices. I really enjoy the variety of my work here.

What has made you successful while working at Tenneco?
There are two major things I have found in Tenneco that are especially conducive to success in the workplace. The first is the team environment-the partnership mentality. If I have a question or an idea to share, I know there is always an open door. The second is being surrounded by an exceptional group of people who are willing to give opportunities to people willing to take them.

What motivates you in terms of your role at Tenneco?
What really enticed me about the opportunity to come to Tenneco was that everyone I talked to had a compelling story about Tenneco's growth model. We are a company that doesn't just sit back on its laurels; we are always thinking about the newest technology and the best way to commercialize it. You can work at a law firm for your entire career, but when a client's project closes you move on to something else. Here, you can see how you have contributed and also see what is on the horizon so you have something to reach for.

How does your role contribute to Tenneco's overall success?
I constantly think about how I can improve upon my performance and the company's performance. Rather than focusing solely on what we have done in the past, I think about how we can improve upon our current practices, how we can stay ahead of the curve. Successful companies find ways to recognize opportunities before they are mature and anticipate risks before they materialize. I enjoy thinking on my feet and working with our team to come up with forward-looking solutions.

What makes Tenneco unique?
We continue to do what we do well, change what we don't, and make sure we retain the lessons we learn along the way.

Pierre-Henri Marbot

Position: Director, Manufacturing and Distribution, Aftermarket Europe

Location: European Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium

With Tenneco Since: 1998

Job Description: Manage European Aftermarket emission control operations

Pierre-Henri incorporates his passion for sailing into his professional life, using navigational skills to help guide coworkers to succeed. Pierre-Henri believes the key to Tenneco's success is teamwork

What has made you successful?
There is no one reason. Everyone brings a specific skill set to our team, leading to our success as a whole. For example, I see a problem one way and my colleagues may see it differently. Through our collaboration, we create an optimal solution.

What do you think is most challenging about your job?
Speed - I like to get the job done. The other challenge I have is also one of my greatest pleasures, which is helping people grow. It's like sailing a boat - it's hard, but once you reach your destination, you are the happiest man on earth. The challenge is to make sure everyone believes in themselves and their team.

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?
In 2004, a sales person initiated a challenge: accomplish 100 percent order fill in the aftermarket. Our willingness to try to reach this goal shows how our organization can work together towards making a challenging idea a reality.

How does your role contribute to Tenneco's success overall?
Creating a connection between employees of different cultures allows for optimal communication between the manufacturing plants and distribution centers. Creating this connection ensures consistency-everyone has the same information and follows the same plan.

What do you think separates Tenneco from its competitors?
Here at Tenneco, we have a real team atmosphere. We have a plan in front of us and will do whatever it takes to accomplish it. Through this collaboration, we give customers what they want, which is what the business is all about.

David Eakins

Position: North America Client Service Supervisor, Global Information Technology

Location: Global headquarters, Lake Forest, Illinois

With Tenneco since: 1989

Job Description: Supervising PC client support and network operations in various Tenneco locations

David Eakins began his career 20 years ago at Tenneco on the manufacturing floor. Today, he is an IT supervisor at the company's headquarters in Lake Forest. In this role, he faces each day knowing he'll encounter different challenges and for him, that keeps things very interesting.

What has made you successful?
The people I work with - both my supervisors and teams - have helped me in my career. When I was training in the quality department, we were told 'none of us are as smart as all of us'. I have tried to adopt that ideal as I have moved forward. By pulling ideas and resources, we maximize efficiencies and reduce the amount of work that has to be done.

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?
I started out on the manufacturing floor and today I'm an IT supervisor at Tenneco's headquarters-that has been one my greatest personal accomplishments. Also, by working together, I have seen the IT team accomplish extraordinary goals. At one point, we rolled out 200 laptops in 30 days to a remote sales force. I was really excited to be a part of that.

What do you think separates Tenneco from its competitors?
Tenneco people are willing to go the extra mile. We take a lot of pride in the products we manufacture and enjoy working together as a team.

What advice can you give?
It doesn't matter if someone works in IT, HR, manufacturing, or legal - in our company we are ultimately part of the same winning team. Our role is less stressful when you are more understanding of other departments and realize that everybody is their doing the best.

What do you do in your free time?
I live, breathe and go to sleep at night thinking of new technologies. Outside of the IT work I do at Tenneco, I enjoy doing web development. I also contribute computer services free of charge to non-profit organizations who otherwise could not afford the expertise. Aside from that, I spend two weeks of my Tenneco vacation working at a youth camp which is a highlight every year.

Christine Smith

Position: Director, Internal Audit

Location: Global Headquarters, Lake Forest, Illinois

With Tenneco Since: 2000

Job Description: Support Tenneco's Audit Committee

In her free time, Christine Smith plays competitive tennis, requiring a tremendous amount of practice and dedication to the sport. Christine shows the same dedication to her work at Tenneco.

How does your role contribute to Tenneco?
My role is to support the Audit Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of Directors. My role serves a corporate function, creating value through risk mitigation and process improvement. In addition, we ensure compliance with government rules and regulations.

What motivates you in terms of your role at Tenneco?
I am not motivated solely by my position within Tenneco. My motivation at work, as in life, is to do the right thing. While completing a task for the Audit Committee, it is important to remain objective and independent. I do what is right for Tenneco as a company.

What has made you successful at Tenneco?
My ability to understand and resolve various issues has helped me succeed. In addition to that, my ability to lead and teach others has been beneficial.

What separates Tenneco from its competitors?
The quality of our products and our employees makes a clear difference.

What advice can you give?
Listen and learn. There is a difference between hearing someone talk and actually listening to what they are saying. When you listen, you can truly understand and learn from them. Also, take advantage of the opportunities and connections that are presented to you. Opportunities do not come along often, so it is important not to let them pass by.

Ryan Barrus

Position: T.R.U.E.-Clean® System Integration Engineer

Location: North America Emission Control Engineering Center, Grass Lake, Michigan

With Tenneco Since: 2007 (full time), 2003 (Co-Op)

Job Description: Retrofit and troubleshoot engine cells and vehicles for customer demonstrations and internal development, as well as structural validation of the T.R.U.E.-Clean system.

Ryan Barrus still is called "Co-Op" by some of his co-workers - a reference to his days as a college student participating in Tenneco's Co-Op program. Barrus is part of a select group of students who were so impressive, they were hired to be full-time Tenneco employees. Today, Barrus is a valued engineer working on some of the company's highest-profile new technologies.

What brought you to Tenneco?
I originally wanted to go into aerospace engineering. However, I received a mechanical engineering scholarship to Kettering University in Flint, Michigan and immediately became a part of the school's Co-Op program. I was matched with Tenneco, which meant during my four years in school I alternated between three months in class and three months working at Tenneco. When I graduated in 2007, I was brought on full time as an engineer, focusing on finite element analysis.

What is a typical day like?
I think the best description is that a typical day is a surprise. I currently work on the T.R.U.E.-Clean project and each day brings its own challenge as we retro-fit different types of vehicles with the T.R.U.E.-Clean technology. It is an exciting environment to work in because you get to see and do different things every day.

Is there a moment you are most proud of?
In early 2009, I was part of a group that retro-fitted a tractor with the T.R.U.E.-Clean system. We brought the tractor to Lake Forest and presented it to the Tenneco Board of Directors to demonstrate the new technology and its applications. The tractor has since become the showpiece for T.R.U.E.-Clean technology and I am very proud I was part of that project.

What has made you successful?
I think I am one of the more dedicated individuals you'll meet. I remember when I was 16-years old I was out until 2 a.m. fixing an irrigation system at a golf course while my friends were out enjoying themselves. I think I have applied that same work ethic and dedication to my work at Tenneco.

What is it about the Tenneco culture that is so special?
The people of Tenneco have a mind-set that says "We can do this." Working with people who have that attitude on a daily basis is amazing.

The people here are a close-knit group and are always smiling. I think the ability to have fun while you work together helps bring the stress levels down and relaxes you. It helps you be more effective in your daily work.

What do you want from your future at Tenneco?
I think there is a great opportunity for me to grow here. Thanks to my Co-Op, I have worked in many different departments and know all the ins and outs. Right now I am working in emerging technologies - which is an excellent place to be. Eventually, I would like to move into a more supervisory role. I love it here and there is no place I'd rather be.

Jessica Steenmans

Position: Senior Manager, Planning and Inventory, Ride Control Europe

Location: European Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium

With Tenneco Since: 1999

Job Description: Manages ride control planning and inventory management for the European Aftermarket.

Balancing a family and two young children with her responsibilities at Tenneco keeps Jessica busy. As the conduit between ride control manufacturing and Aftermarket sales, Jessica is motivated by the array of challenges she faces, whether she's working with her team, customers or managing day-to-day responsibilities with her children.

What is your job and what do you do?
As senior manager planning and inventory, I serve as a liaison between sales, manufacturing and supply chain teams. Our goal is to keep production as smooth as possible.

How does your role contribute to Tenneco's success overall?
My main goal is to maximize customer satisfaction by ensuring consistent product availability. We work to demonstrate to our customers that we are working hard on their behalf.

What has made you successfull?
I think I balance sales and manufacturing needs well.

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of at Tenneco?
My contribution to developing a centralized planning and materials function within our ride control team in Europe.

What do you think separates Tenneco from its competitors?
It's the culture. Since we are a global company, we work with a wide range of people. Tenneco encourages employees from all over the world to share ideas and best practices, making it a very special place to work.

Alexandre Mandy

Position: Customer Service Manager, Aftermarket Europe

Location: European Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium

With Tenneco Since: 2008

Job Description: Customer Service Manager for Europe and Africa

Alexandre Mandy has had the unique experience of growing up in Europe, spending his summers in Japan and studying in the United States. From his travels, he's acquired a broad understanding of different cultures, a skill he uses as a customer service manager, interacting with Tenneco's global customers.

What motivates you in terms of your role at Tenneco?
When I came to Tenneco, I had people working for me who were extremely supportive. Like anyone taking a new position, I was constantly learning about the company. My team was tremendously helpful; they are strong and in turn, make me stronger.

How does your role contribute to Tenneco's success overall?
I haven't been at the company very long, so I'm really still a new set of eyes for my co-workers. Every now and then you can help people look at issues they face from a new angle to find a faster, better way to do things.

What do you think separates Tenneco from its competitors?
Flexibility. I have the opportunity to work with different departments, even on a project basis. Tenneco employees are encouraged to work across functions.

What has made you successful?
I am a good communicator. I speak six languages, so I can communicate with most customers in their native language. This makes them feel comfortable and open because nothing is lost in translation.

What advice have you received that has proven helpful in your work life?
Try to learn as many different things as you can in school. You would be surprised at the usefulness of all kinds of information. Another tip: you have to adjust to think long term. In school, you are focused on a class for a few months. In a work environment, every action has a future implication.

Tinne De Hoon

Position: Marketing Communications Business Support and Intelligence Manager, European Aftermarket

Location: Brussels, Belgium

With Tenneco Since: 2008

Job Description: Gathering customer-focused marketing research to improve sales efficiency

Teaching tennis to underprivileged children involves thinking two or three steps ahead. In her role as Marketing Communications and BSIM manager, Tinne De Hoon uses this skill to link employees and to break down cultural barriers.

What motivates you in terms of your role at Tenneco?
I am very lucky to have this job. I have always had the ability to make different parts come together and I enjoy using that skill in my job. I am able to link people with the information they need, while coordinating and managing projects.

What has made you successful at Tenneco?
Having only worked here a few years, I wouldn't consider myself personally successful yet. I will say that I am very committed to my work and am willing to take on challenges. Also, the strong and positive nature of the management team makes it easy to work toward success.

How does your role contribute to Tenneco's success overall?
Like many of my Tenneco colleagues, I have combined two jobs - business intelligence and marketing/PR programs. By linking different departments, the organization becomes leaner and more strategic.

What do you think separates Tenneco from its competitors?
Tenneco's people are professional and proactive. Our people are so driven - employees immerse themselves in their work, contributing to the team's success. We also have strong brands and outstanding technology.

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of at Tenneco?
I am proud to be part of a strong working team. To me that is Tenneco - employees who contribute to the company's success and growth every day.

Guiliana di Masi

Position: Sr. Aftermarket Ride Control Distribution Manager, Europe

Location: Europe OE RC, Sint Truiden, Belgium

With Tenneco Since: 1980

Job Description: Manages distribution operations in Sint Truiden

With more than 30 years of experience, di Masi says she enjoys Tenneco's team environment and continued process of learning about the industry in her operations role in Sint Truiden.

What do you think separates Tenneco from its competitors?
Apart from quality-to-price ratio, it's Tenneco's team. Over the past 30 years, I have learned to love and cherish the team members I work with. I would consider myself having two families - my biological family and my Tenneco family.

What motivates you in terms of your role at Tenneco?
The people who work here motivate me. When you work at Tenneco you feel as if you're part of a family, allowing for opportunity and growth. If you work hard and achieve, recognition and satisfaction will follow.

What is most challenging about your job?
In a seasonal business like the aftermarket, it's challenging to keep up with customer demands. For instance, in the last quarter of the year, sales can virtually double - an objective we all have worked toward. As a team, we have to work together to get the job done.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
Try to find a job that you really like. When I wake up in the morning, I am excited to go to the office. My point: when you like what you do, the rest comes automatically.

Do you see any links between your hobbies and your work life?
I have grown up watching car races. Also, my brother has a car repair business, so I have always had exposure to the automotive industry. My knowledge of this business continues to grow significantly and has enabled me to succeed at Tenneco.

Eric Van Schuerbeeck

Position: Ride Control Group Product Manager, Aftermarket Europe

Location: European Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium

With Tenneco Since: 1998

Job Description: Linking sales and manufacturing within Europe's ride control group

A passion for cycling drives Eric Van Schuerbeeck outside the office; his role as manager of ride control group products in Europe drives him at Tenneco.

What motivates you in terms of your role at Tenneco?
My motivation comes from the challenge of combining different objectives to achieve success overall for our customers. I make sure that our sales force, manufacturing team and technology teams all work together.

What had made you successful?
My sales background has been useful in my current position. By combining my previous knowledge with my attention to detail, I am able to provide correct, complete information and focus on our customers.

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of at Tenneco?
I am proud of our work to build the Rancho brand in Europe. Our team took a proactive approach and showed that Rancho deserves a place amongst the most predominant aftermarket brands in Europe; this is something we are working hard on now.

You said you enjoy cycling, do you see any links between this hobby and your work life?
Yes. My love for cycling is similar to the love I have for my job. Cycling is impulsive and aggressive; you have to steer the bike yourself. I feel these same dynamics in my role at Tenneco. The emotions I experience when cycling are the same types of emotions I feel when I'm in the midst of completing a task at work.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
The advice I would like to share is, as a manager, it's important that everyone understands their role and how they contribute to the team's success. Being a successful team means everyone comes together with the same goal in mind.

Sigrid Conix

Position: Senior IT Security Analyst, Tenneco Europe

Location: European Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium

With Tenneco Since: 1996

Job Description: Risk management and compliance -- accompanying audits, providing security advice and developing and maintaining IT policies and procedures

Sigrid likes a fast-paced environment. While she loves skydiving and other extreme sports, Sigrid is very process-oriented and applies this to her role at Tenneco.

What had made you successful?
I am an analytical and communicative person, which helps me manage issues that arise within the IT department. I've had various job titles since I've been working for Tenneco. My wide range of experience allows me to approach my role from all angles.

How does your role contribute to Tenneco's success overall?
One of our team's main responsibilities is protecting Tenneco's data. IT security is a significant issue, especially for high technology companies like ours. Also, I am continuously working to make our IT processes more efficient and more accessible to employees.

What do you think separates Tenneco from its competitors?
Tenneco offers flexibility. At Tenneco, people have the chance to work in different job positions, giving them significant insight to varied areas of the company. This gives people a fresh perspective on an ongoing basis.

What advice can you give?
Prepare well for meetings. Think about your goal and how you want to be perceived. It is important to stay humble, no matter what your background is. Also, keep in mind that everyone has experienced being in a new role; don't be afraid to take on different challenges.

Could you tell us something about yourself that your colleagues don't know about you?
Many of my colleagues wouldn't know that I participate in extreme sports; I enjoy skydiving, as well as repelling through canyons. I appear controlled at work but in my free time, I love doing challenging, unexpected things.