New Talent! Meet Our Consultants: Simon, Adrien, Eva, and Martin

We can't grow quickly without new colleagues! In the past few months, we've welcomed four new consultants. They share a few things in common: an unparalleled passion for data, a customer-first attitude, and they aren't afraid of complex challenges. Plus, they each have unique hobbies... Get to know Simon, Adrien, Eva, and Martin!

Simon Leneeuw (BE)


What did you do before joining RetailSonar? 

I worked for 2 years as a Data Scientist at the software company AXI, where I developed web applications and Power BI dashboards.

What’s your first impression of our company? 

One of our company values is “a great place to work.” I can genuinely confirm that! There’s a great company culture where, alongside hard work, there's always time for fun. The bar is set high, but colleagues are very supportive, especially for newcomers.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in your work? 

Keeping up with the rapid pace at which our company is evolving! And effectively communicating our story to clients who don’t always have a technical background.

Anything special we should know about you?

Although I occasionally enjoy a visit to a Thai restaurant, you’ll find few people with a lower tolerance for spicy food than me. My friends love to challenge me to eat chilli peppers or take a few drops of pure Tabasco. I often order a few glasses of milk at restaurants to cool down (laughs).

What are your hobbies? 

Football, padel, tennis, and the gym. On Friday evenings, that usually gets swapped for a drink with friends (laughs).

What’s your biggest achievement so far? 

Playing for the same football club for 21 years and getting promoted to the highest provincial league last year!

What’s your favourite quote? 

"Some people asked me what I would do if I didn't win... I guess we'll never know" - Kanye West.

What’s the best way to work with you? 

I’m at my best when the entire team shares the same goals and priorities. I also appreciate a lot of guidance, coaching, and feedback. Be critical of me; I can handle it!

What skills do you bring to RetailSonar? 

A lot of drive and motivation to make this a great match!

 

Adrien Elsawaby (FR)


What did you do before joining RetailSonar? 

During my master’s in Geomarketing, I interned as a data analyst at Pacifica (a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole). After that, I took a gap year to travel the world and discover new cultures and different ways of living and thinking.

What’s your first impression of our company? 

Extremely positive! The team is welcoming and creates a dynamic environment where collaboration thrives. I’ve felt comfortable and involved from the start. Despite the distance from our headquarters in Ghent, I always feel surrounded by the team! (laughs)

What do you see as the biggest challenge in your work? 

Efficiently managing multiple tasks—like the main quest in a game, with many side quests to complete all the missions (laughs).

What’s your biggest achievement so far? 

A 3-month bike trip across Europe on a vintage bicycle. From France to Greece, and back via the Mediterranean. It was the trip of a lifetime, saddle sores included (laughs).

What’s your favourite quote? 

"Le but est dans le chemin et ce chemin n’a pas de but" – "It's not the destination, but the journey that matters."

What’s the best way to work with you? 

Simple and casual, but professional enough to deliver top quality to our clients.

What skills do you bring to RetailSonar? 

I consider myself dedicated, unafraid of responsibilities, and quick to understand customer needs.


Eva Steenhoven (NL)


What did you do before joining RetailSonar? 

I worked as a Marketing Intelligence Analyst at Bol. Before that, I studied Marketing at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Applied Data Science at the University of Utrecht.

What’s your first impression of our company? 

RetailSonar is a great place to work at! The company has a very open and friendly culture. People work hard, but everyone is very kind and always willing to help. There are regular team-building activities, and the atmosphere among colleagues is excellent!

What are your hobbies? 

Hockey, skiing, reading, cooking, eating, and travelling.

What’s your favourite quote? 

"If it doesn't work, fix it."

What’s the best way to work with you? 

Be straightforward, open, and transparent!

What do you see as the biggest challenge in your work? 

Advising our clients as effectively as possible! At Bol, I had an internal role as a data analyst; now, I get to present the results of my analyses to the biggest retailers. A very interesting and educational challenge!

What skills do you bring to RetailSonar? 

I'm a persistent problem-solver who enjoys diving into complex issues. I also appreciate good company!


Martin Kana (NL)


What did you do before joining RetailSonar? 

I pursued a master's degree in Data Science at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

What’s your first impression of our company? 

A company with really great people! Everyone works hard, but they’re also friendly and willing to help each other. Plus, there’s a fun, sporty culture within the company: pool, darts, running... Lots of activities are organised.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in your work? 

Keeping an overview of all the different projects I’m involved in. Since our clients actively use the platform, it’s important to respond to their questions as quickly as possible. A great challenge!

Anything special we should know about you? 

At 19, I travelled to Thailand, where I volunteered at an animal shelter for 2 weeks. I took care of the animals and even swam with a teenage tiger! Luckily, he preferred fish over people (laughs).

What are your hobbies? 

Football, gaming with friends (from shooters to strategy games), and travelling. My favourite destinations so far? Vietnam and Japan!

What are your biggest achievements so far? 

Studying in Tokyo for half a year and watching the sunrise from the top of Mount Fuji. An experience I’ll never forget!

What’s your favourite quote? 

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." Simple living, less stress.

What’s the best way to work with you? 

Clear communication and collaboration. I value open dialogue and constructive feedback.

What skills do you bring to RetailSonar?

Strong skills in predictive modelling and a deep understanding of statistics and programming. I’m also a people person, and I enjoy building strong relationships with colleagues and clients.


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