PHILIPSBURG--Concerns have been raised by NV GEBE employees about the leadership style and communication approach of incoming CEO and Transition Manager Thomas Roggendorf, including reports that he suggested terminating a number of senior staff.
Roggendorf has denied these allegations. In response to questions posed by “The Daily Herald”, he said there are no plans for terminations and underscored the company’s continued focus on transparency and organisational stability.
This newspaper has received persistent complaints from some staff members who expressed concern about the way Roggendorf communicates with and addresses employees. They also referenced reports that a list of employee names allegedly had been submitted to the Supervisory Board of Directors, suggesting their services be terminated. Roggendorf said this claim is untrue.
In a direct response to questions from this newspaper, Roggendorf said he felt compelled to address the issue publicly due to its potential impact on staff.
“There has been no letter sent to the board, nor is there any intention to terminate the employment of any manager or team member. On the contrary, we are actively looking to fill several open positions,” he said.
The alleged recommendation, which reportedly involved a list of senior employees, had caused unease among staff. Roggendorf said he had become aware of “the rumour” on Monday morning and immediately addressed it with the relevant management staff to dispel any misinformation.
He said the company is currently undergoing a period of transition, following several challenging years marked by events such as the energy crisis and a cyberattack. He noted that it is “natural” for employees to feel a mix of hope, curiosity, and caution during a change in leadership.
“NV GEBE has endured significant challenges in recent years – from the energy crisis to the cyberattack – and is currently navigating both an energy transition and a period of organisational stabilisation. It is natural that, with new leadership, staff may feel a mix of hope, curiosity, and understandable caution,” Roggedorf said.
He added that GEBE has hosted a general assembly and held departmental meetings to ensure open lines of communication with staff. "We remain committed to open and transparent communication," he said.
