Meet Laurens Notenboom

Laurens joins Abodo’s growing international team as our new Head of Sales – APAC, UK & Europe.

Coming into the role with a strong international business development background in the sustainable timber industry, Laurens is focused on growing the APAC, UK and Europe regions for Abodo with strategic sales development plans and product led programs.

Hailing from France and based in Bangkok for the past 17 years, Laurens has an extensive understanding of the construction materials industry in both Asia and Europe. Past roles have seen him build an APAC distribution network for a UK-based modified timber business, as well as lead a successful deck program in France in 2023 despite a drastic slow down in the markets.

However, while Laurens takes pride in these achievements, he views relationship-building as the groundwork for all he does.

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I highly value trust and respect in relationships. As I say, you need to walk the talk and ensure there is value in it for everyone and in everything you do.

- Laurens Notenboom, Head of Sales, APAC, UK & Europe

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Community Connection - Copenhagen, Denmark

He notes that “Not only because it is the right thing to do, but because we operate in a rather conservative but volatile industry. You can only create value through trust with your colleagues and clients.”

Laurens has admirable goals for his new role at Abodo, with a focus on establishing distribution networks and increasing interaction between distributors and sub-distributors, joiners and architects, all of whom are key decision makers for sales development and brand adoption.

Abodo’s strong company values and passionate team are evidence that he has landed in a good place, and he hopes to demonstrate and enhance Abodo’s sustainability and performance position through his work with new and existing clients.

“I am someone known to get things done; perseverance and adaptability are traits I am very familiar with. I have long term relationships with clients that I will put into action to develop the European and APAC regions,” he says.

In terms of life outside of work, Laurens enjoys playing on a social rugby team and loves to get away for a weekend with his family. Travel is obviously a large part of Laurens’ life, so having the time and space to meet up for a relaxing chat and a meal with friends is also key to recharging his battery.

He sees the future of wood as something of a no brainer – it is clearly the way forward. He attributes this to not only its sustainability credentials but also its aesthetic and tactile qualities.

“The soft touch, the warmth, the aesthetics and the smell – the reality is we all love timber, and it has a bright future!”