Executive Profile & Philosophy

Engineering precision applied to global trade governance.

20+ years of progressive leadership in global trade compliance and supply chain operations at Dow, bridging operational execution with regulatory governance.

Founded on an engineering foundation (MS in Chemical Engineering, Ghent University), bringing a data-driven approach to customs compliance, duty mitigation, and cross-functional leadership.

Board & Industry Mandates

Procurement & Supply Chain Masters • OTM • Global Trade Strategy

Trade Governance
Global Trade Governance

Customs Compliance & Regulatory Integrity

Trade governance frameworks ensuring customs compliance and regulatory integrity across international markets
Cost Transformation
Duty Optimization & Cost Transformation

Tariff Strategy & Sustainable Margin Protection

Duty recovery and tariff optimization strategies that protect sustainable margins and reduce compliance costs
Board & Advisory
Cross-Functional Executive Alignment

Industry Standards & Board Leadership

Alignment across legal, tax, logistics, and procurement functions with board leadership roles in industry standards
Career Trajectory & Operational Leadership

Executive Milestones & Career Progression

A comprehensive chronology of senior leadership positions, international trade compliance programs, and enterprise technology execution delivered across more than two decades at Dow Chemical Company and Aquafin Belgium.

MAY 2025 – PRESENT
Trade ComplianceCurrent Role
Global Trade Compliance

Global & European Mode Leader – Int'l Trade Compliance

Dow Chemical Company
Governance Scope
Global
Strategic Focus & Execution
  • Directing multinational trade compliance frameworks and European modal strategy.
  • Aligning global cross-border operations with rigorous trade governance standards.
Enterprise-wide international trade compliance and European regulatory leadership
AUG 2019 – MAY 2025
Technology & OperationsKey Milestone
Trade Operations & Digital Tech

Global Mode Technology Leader – Int'l Trade Operations

Dow Chemical Company
Annual Duty Savings Realized
$577MM
Strategic Focus & Execution
  • Achieved a 60% reduction in compliance incidents through digital technology implementation.
  • Delivered $7.7MM in incremental savings via trade automation and process optimization.
Global customs digitisation, automation, and operational performance
MAR 2019 – AUG 2019
Global ComplianceCompleted Mandate
Regulatory Strategy

Global Modal Leader – Int'l Trade Compliance

Dow Chemical Company
Regulatory Adherence
100%
Strategic Focus & Execution
  • Led global modal trade compliance operations across complex chemical freight networks.
  • Standardized internal auditing and compliance tracking mechanisms worldwide.
Enterprise customs compliance and international trade risk governance
DEC 2012 – SEP 2016
European OperationsCompleted Mandate
European Logistics & Air Freight

ITO / MPC / Air Mode Leader Europe

Dow Chemical Company
Modal Logistics Reach
Pan-EMEA
Strategic Focus & Execution
  • Managed European international trade operations, multimodal networks, and air transport.
  • Optimized operational service levels and carrier performance management.
Regional multimodal freight management, international trade ops, and MPC execution
DEC 2010 – DEC 2012
Bulk Marine LogisticsCompleted Mandate
Maritime & Bulk Transport

Bulk Marine Mode Leader EMEAI

Dow Chemical Company
Maritime Freight Network
EMEAI
Strategic Focus & Execution
  • Directed bulk marine shipping operations, vessel chartering, and safety compliance.
  • Improved maritime supply chain reliability and carrier safety protocols.
Bulk liquid and maritime supply chains across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India
1994 – 2001
Operational FoundationsPrior Experience
Infrastructure & Operations

Operations & Project Roles

Aquafin Belgium
Foundational Leadership
7 Years
Strategic Focus & Execution
  • Managed large-scale infrastructure operations and municipal environmental projects.
  • Established foundational expertise in technical operations, project delivery, and safety.
Wastewater infrastructure and environmental engineering project management

20+ Years at Dow

Long-standing global leadership spanning international trade compliance, modal logistics, and enterprise technology systems.

$577MM Annual Duty Savings

Strategic customs optimization, tariff engineering, and trade automation delivering immense recurring financial value.

60% Compliance Incident Reduction

Rigorous global trade governance, systems automation, and proactive risk mitigation across multi-jurisdiction operations.

Review Executive Portfolio & Case Studies

Explore documented international trade operations, technology implementations, and modal compliance initiatives.

Senior Director, Global Trade Compliance at Dow — 20+ years leading global trade governance, duty optimization, and supply chain strategy across international markets.

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Executive Engagement

Board & Strategic Advisory

Available for non-executive board appointments, strategic council, and institutional governance reviews.

© 2026 Heip Lennart. All executive leadership rights reserved.