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Marco Weel reflects on ten years at Royal

From walking into the office as a student intern to becoming a Financial Controller, Marco Weel has spent the past ten years growing alongside Royal. What began as a first internship turned into a career shaped by curiosity, ownership, and a strong team spirit. In this story, Marco reflects on the moments that mattered most, the company culture that kept him here, and the ways he continues to develop within a fast-moving, international business.

When I think back to my very first day at Royal…
I do not actually think of my first official day, but of the day of my interview. I was still in school at the time, studying MBO Financial Services, and looking for my first real internship. I remember walking through Alkmaar on my own, feeling like a kid in a big city. I could not even find the entrance, so I ended up calling our former Finance Director, to ask where I had to go.

The interview felt like a real conversation and not long after, I started my internship. Royal had maybe ten or fifteen employees at the time. It was small, personal, and the atmosphere was open but focused. People worked hard when it was needed, and that has always stayed the same.

A natural path from intern to controller
After finishing my internship in the summer of 2015, I was offered a holiday job at Royal. The finance team back then was just three people, including me. When summer ended, I stayed. And after about two years, I felt I was ready for more. I had the idea that I needed a higher education to take the next step, so I enrolled in the part-time Finance and Control program at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam. In my final year, I started working as a Financial Controller.

Shaped by responsibility and curiosity
Looking back, I was always given a lot of trust. There is a strong sense of ownership in the company. Everyone is expected to take responsibility and think independently. That has helped me grow professionally and personally. Besides that I have always appreciated how much space Royal gives you to grow. You are expected to come up with your own ideas and take initiative, but once you do, the company really supports you in following through. I always felt that the management team, including the former owners, stood behind that way of working.

Last year, I had the chance to travel to the United States for work. Before that trip, I was still a bit hesitant to speak English on the phone or in meetings. But being in that environment helped me break through that barrier. Since then, I feel much more confident communicating internationally.

Besides that, I have always been interested in more than just the numbers. I like understanding how things work across the business and the processes. That curiosity has helped me gain a broader perspective, and it makes my daily work more effective. When a problem comes up, I usually know where to go or who to ask.

Outside of work, I enjoy running, strength training, and spending time with friends. I have taken part in several running events with Royal, including the Dam tot Damloop and the Alkmaar City Run. It is great to see how the company supports and joins these kinds of activities. It brings people together in a different way and adds to the energy we already have in the office.

Why I am still here after ten years
Ten years is a long time to be in one place, but for me, it comes down to three things: the culture, the people, and the responsibility you are given. The way we work is straightforward and no-nonsense, but also open and supportive when it needs to be. The people around me make a big difference too. Everyone here carries a high level of responsibility, which really allows you to take ownership of your work. On top of that, personal development is something the company actively encourages. No day is ever the same, and every day brings its own set of challenges.

I also really appreciate the informal moments we have, like the monthly Friday drinks and the team gatherings. They make it easy to connect with people across different departments and contribute to the strong team spirit we have here.

For anyone just getting started
If someone new were to join the team tomorrow, I would tell them this: be yourself, and take the time to understand how we work. The culture here is open, direct and built on trust. Communicate clearly, have fun, and work hard when it is needed. Make time for your own development, because that is what makes the work more meaningful over time. It helps if you are driven, curious, and ready to take initiative in an international and fast-moving business.

Still growing, ten years in
When I look at where I started and where I am now, it has been a journey full of learning and growth. Some steps were small, others made a big impact. I have always been curious about how things work, and that has helped me move forward. There is always something we can improve or make more efficient. That is what I look forward to, making things better together with the team. Right now, I am also involved as a key user for the finance department in the implementation of our new ERP system. It is a great example of how Royal gives people the chance to contribute to bigger projects and grow within their role.

About Marco
Marco is Financial Controller at Royal Ingredients. Over the past ten years, he has grown from intern to a key part of the finance team. He is driven by curiosity, a strong sense of responsibility, and a hands-on approach to improving the way things work. He is also one of the key user for the finance department involved in the company’s upcoming ERP implementation.

If you are looking for a place where people grow through trust, take responsibility, and work as a team to make things better every day, we would love to hear from you. Visit our Careers page to explore current opportunities and see what it is like to be part of Royal Ingredients.