Niels Chr. Schou
Domsten,M
Summary
Commercially driven executive with extensive experience in global sales and business strategy. Achieved 35% market share growth through strategic initiatives and effective negotiation. Expertise in team leadership and analytical skills, enhancing workflows and driving innovation for sustained success.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Beontag
Höganäs
01.2024 - Current
- Held full P&L ownership across four European sites, driving efficiency and profitability.
- Led commercial negotiations with key clients, managing CapEx and OpEx to ensure sustainable growth.
- Contributed to strategic decision-making as a member of Beontag's Global Leadership Team.
- Optimized sourcing strategies while delivering market insights to R&D, fostering innovation.
- Executed a fast-paced footprint reduction strategy to enhance EBITDA in a challenging market.
Commercial Director
Beontag
04.2023 - 01.2024
- Directed commercial teams to advance Scandstick/Beontag's PSL business across Europe.
- Collaborated with Beontag's global units to enhance integrated product identification solutions.
- Executed strategy targeting 15% CAGR growth in EMEA with detailed country-specific initiatives.
- Conducted thorough analysis of core product needs per sales region to inform strategy.
Vacant Sales Director
Avery Dennison Marketing
02.2023 - 04.2023
- Transitioned out of Avery Dennison Marketing following organizational restructuring as Director of Marketing Excellence.
- Expressed gratitude for 10 years of collaboration with dedicated customers, colleagues, and partners.
- Closed chapter with fond memories while anticipating new opportunities and challenges ahead.
Director Marketing Programs
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
07.2022 - 01.2023
- Driving new projects, business ventures, & startups within Label & Packaging.
Director Marketing Excellence
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Led Label & Packaging division team in Sustainability, Compliance, Communication, Innovation, and Operational Excellence.
- Developed new team structure that optimized workflows and generated significant time savings.
- Designed and executed post-COVID communication strategy to enhance market engagement.
- Evolved sustainability strategy to meet changing demands, integrating measurable KPIs into reporting.
- Increased sustainability presence through interviews, articles, and conference speaking engagements.
Sales Director Northern Europe and Strategic Initiatives EMENA
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
01.2021 - 08.2021
- Drove strategic initiatives across EMENA to enhance market positioning and drive growth.
- Held full P&L responsibility for Label & Packaging Materials in Northern Region.
- Provided operational and commercial leadership to optimize team performance.
- Executed balanced price and volume strategy to achieve +35% market share while maintaining KPI-set ASP and margin levels.
Director Sales Excellence EU/Sales Director Northern EU
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
07.2017 - 01.2021
- Directed European Customer Service and Sales Excellence teams to achieve performance improvements.
- Represented European Sales Leadership in global projects, enhancing cross-functional collaboration.
- Developed a self-assessment competency mapping tool, boosting sales performance metrics.
- Revitalized Salesforce.com adoption, streamlining sales processes for increased efficiency.
- Implemented multiple sales enhancement tools to optimize execution and operational effectiveness.
Sales Director Northern Europe
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
04.2016 - 01.2021
- Managed full P&L for Northern Europe, encompassing UK, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland.
- Led team of over 30 individuals through three Country Managers and one Customer Service Manager.
- Contributed to Executive European Sales leadership team, influencing strategic direction.
Country Manager Nordic
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
01.2013 - 04.2016
- Managed and expanded 4th largest Pan-European account as Country Manager for Nordic & Global KAM.
- Led customer service operations in Copenhagen while directing sales initiatives across the region.
- Consistently achieved core KPIs, fostering business growth and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Traveled extensively to support direct sales efforts and facilitate sales team development.
Country General Manager
Bemis Company, Inc.
08.2010 - 12.2012
- Held P&L responsibility for Bemis Europe's Flexible Packaging operations in Nordic region.
- Directed regional sales managers and technicians to enhance growth and market penetration.
- Served as primary liaison between Bemis production sites and Nordic market for flexible packaging.
- Oversaw introduction and promotion of European portfolio, focusing on food industry applications.
- Managed strategic accounts as key account manager for major customers in region.
Sales and Marketing Director
Promens Food Packaging
Skanderborg
03.2003 - 07.2010
- Led sales and marketing initiatives for European food and beverage segment, focusing on Nordic dairy industry.
- Served as International Key Account Manager for largest multinational customers.
- Chaired R&D and NPD projects to drive product innovation and industry advancement.
- Conducted comprehensive market analysis on trends, products, and industry developments.
- Spearheaded customer mapping and strategic account management processes.
- Managed cross-sector projects across European divisions, including NPD, CRM, and website optimization.
- Oversaw operations at five production sites within rigid plastics industry as management team member.
- Simultaneously served as Customer Service Manager, handling production and procurement planning.
Product Manager
RanTek A/S
Randers
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Managed launch of new antivirus platform in Danish market, achieving significant market penetration.
- Directed sales efforts to TOP 100 IT industry leaders in Denmark.
- Trained distributors on unique selling propositions and effective sales techniques.
Account Manager
Semco Telecom
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Spearheaded market launch of new antivirus platform in Denmark.
- Managed direct sales to Top 100 IT industry leaders in Denmark.
- Trained distributors on unique selling points and advanced sales techniques.
Account Manager
DanDial Networks
01.2002 - 12.2002
- Account manager for PABX phone systems and provider/cabling services.
- BtB sales to industry partners
Consultant
Codan Forsikring
01.1998 - 12.2000
- Delivered sales and advisory services to private consumers during completion of two-year insurer training program centered on insurance and legislation.
Store Manager
Fona
01.1995 - 12.1998
- Manager in an electronics warehouse.
- P&L responsible for all operations, and a staff of 8 people.
- Part of the company's product advisory board.
WareHouse Manager
Merlin
01.1993 - 12.1995
- Manager in an electronics warehouse.
- P&L responsible for all operations, and a staff of 9 people.
Sales Assistent
FONA Radio
08.1986 - 08.1993
Education
mini-MBA - Sustainability Management
Aros Business Academy
Denmark03.2022
Summerschool - Specialiserede salgs-, merchandising- og marketingsfunktioner
Copenhagen Business School
Copenhagen07-2020
Master's Degree - pre-MBA
Business Institute Denmark
12.2005
trade student - Commercial and trade
Århus Købmandsskole
Denmark12.1984
Elementary school student - County school
Soendervangskolen
12.1983
Skills
- Global business strategy
- P&L and financial management
- Strategic decision-making
- Commercial negotiation
- Capital and operational expenditure management
- Sales strategy development
- Analytical skills
- Team leadership
- Vendor relationship management
Publications
- Panelist AWA conference September 2025 "Future of European Labeling industry"
- Article on Rigid packaging for yellow fats, http://www.e-pages.dk/danskespecialmedier/8/16
- CombiPac supports Promens European ambitions, Newsletter
- Sustainability brochure, Brochure
- Press Release, Press Release
Awards
- Avery Dennison Global Leadership Sales Excellence Award, 01/01/14
- Leadership Excellence for Sustainability, 01/01/14
Languages
Danish
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
German
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Swedish
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Timeline
General Manager
Beontag
01.2024 - Current
Commercial Director
Beontag
04.2023 - 01.2024
Vacant Sales Director
Avery Dennison Marketing
02.2023 - 04.2023
Director Marketing Programs
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
07.2022 - 01.2023
Director Marketing Excellence
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
08.2021 - 07.2022
Sales Director Northern Europe and Strategic Initiatives EMENA
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
01.2021 - 08.2021
Director Sales Excellence EU/Sales Director Northern EU
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
07.2017 - 01.2021
Sales Director Northern Europe
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
04.2016 - 01.2021
Country Manager Nordic
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
01.2013 - 04.2016
Country General Manager
Bemis Company, Inc.
08.2010 - 12.2012
Sales and Marketing Director
Promens Food Packaging
03.2003 - 07.2010
Product Manager
RanTek A/S
01.2002 - 01.2003
Account Manager
DanDial Networks
01.2002 - 12.2002
Account Manager
Semco Telecom
01.2001 - 01.2003
Consultant
Codan Forsikring
01.1998 - 12.2000
Store Manager
Fona
01.1995 - 12.1998
WareHouse Manager
Merlin
01.1993 - 12.1995
Sales Assistent
FONA Radio
08.1986 - 08.1993
mini-MBA - Sustainability Management
Aros Business Academy
Summerschool - Specialiserede salgs-, merchandising- og marketingsfunktioner
Copenhagen Business School
Master's Degree - pre-MBA
Business Institute Denmark
trade student - Commercial and trade
Århus Købmandsskole
Elementary school student - County school
Soendervangskolen