Forty Under 40 Spotlight – Yvo van Winssen

Why do you think celebrating young talent in the industry is important?

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

One of the biggest challenges in my career has been dealing with the many shutdowns in the Port of Rotterdam. Before I entered the tank storage industry, I was working in production environments where several companies closed over the years. That period was tough and brought a lot of uncertainty for many professionals, including myself.

Eventually, I transitioned into the tank storage industry, which has proven to be much more stable over time. However, that shift required a high level of adaptability not only from me, but from many others who were affected by those closures. It forced us to adjust quickly, rethink our approach, and stay resilient in a changing industrial landscape.

What is your plan / goals for the future?

Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to take some great steps within the industry, and I’m truly grateful to the team at Tepsa for making that possible.

Looking ahead, my goal is to grow further and more broadly within Operations. I want to expand my current skill set by developing a more specialized perspective on safety, particularly in a safety-focused role. In addition, I aim to further strengthen my leadership skills and continue developing as a leader within the organization.

In addition to my role, I also aim to expand my efforts outside of work by helping to inspire and attract more young people to the tank storage industry. I believe it’s important to share our experience and show the next generation what this field has to offer.

What advice do you have to pass on to the next generation?

My advice to the next generation is simple: get out there and explore. Go into the port, see the industry for yourself, and experience how it really works.

If you have a passion for technology, visit open days at schools and companies, because that’s where it truly comes to life.

There is still a golden future in this industry, and it’s in your hands to take it.