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Simon Hester is eager to spread the word about Cimcorp’s unique approach to distribution center automation. His appointment as Regional Director for Australia and New Zealand marks a new level of Cimcorp’s presence in the Oceania region, making it a significant step for the entire company.
Simon describes his professional niche as ‘where civil engineering interfaces with ICT and mechatronics’, with a side of safety engineering and organizational change management. His varied career includes roles related to the rail, telecommunications, logistics, public health, and nonprofits both in Australia and the UK.
Having led two large container terminal automation projects, one as a customer and the other one as a supplier, Simon sees many analogies between moving the ‘big boxes’ and smaller ones in distribution centers.
“There are similarities in the technology, and safety and testing are paramount in both. Planning and managing the transition from the project phase to operations and maintenance is a key success factor,” Simon says.
Common direction and achievable waypoints
Simon’s background has prepared him for the lessons the new role as Regional Director is bound to bring.
“Having moved into new industries before, I’ve always found the steep learning curve both challenging and exciting. Once I’ve got the basics, I’ve found many opportunities to leverage my experience from other industries.”
His philosophy of leading a sustainable business includes finding the right people, setting a common goal and direction, and moving forward via achievable waypoints.
Leadership is about taking the team or organization to a new paradigm. This involves a vision, a strategy, and tactical steps. I prefer a collaborative approach and having the whole team contribute to the strategy.
The business case for automation is strong
The Australian grocery trade is characterized by major supermarket chains. The benefits of automation include better employee ergonomics, less waste and higher quality produce, the business case for automation in distribution centers in the zone is attractive.
Cimcorp has a unique approach to efficient packing of pallets with a mixture of grocery products, and I look forward to sharing this story with prospective clients.
Simon Hester, Regional Director for Australia and New Zealand at Cimcorp
The decision to invest in automation is a big one, and the initial project is followed by more than a decade of maintenance, optimization, and changes. Establishing trust and long-term win-win partnerships is essential.
“Currently, Cimcorp has no permanent presence locally in Australia or New Zealand, and we need to show the market that we are committed to building a sustainable business in the Oceania region.”
Simon’s plans include setting up a reference site and building a mixed team of local employees, experts from HQ, and local partner organizations. He hopes to support the sales team explore opportunities with all the supermarket chains in major cities in Australia and New Zealand.
Middle-aged man in Lycra
A father of two teenage boys, Simon spends a lot of time with his family. Together, they love to do mini adventures in their camper trailer to local towns and the countryside.
When I spend the weekend in Sydney, I’m one of the many MAMILs (middle-aged men in Lycra) exploring the city’s hills and coffee shops with my friends in the local cycling club.
