From Regional Expertise to Global Leadership: Iain Micallef

Share your career path at Trelleborg and how the company supported your growth.

I joined Trelleborg in January 2019 as Business Unit Human Resources Director for Trelleborg Marine & Infrastructure. This was a significant step for me, coming from a role with regional Human Resources (HR) responsibility across the Middle East and Africa. Moving into a global position with Marine & Infrastructure gave me exposure to a wider business and the chance to lead HR across multiple geographies.

In May 2024, I took the next step in my career by accepting a promotion to Business Area Vice President HR for Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, expanding my scope to cover six business units. What has truly helped me grow is the trust and autonomy I’ve been given from the start. Trelleborg's decentralized setup empowers you to take initiative and drive things forward, rather than simply waiting for instructions.

This environment has allowed me to work on global projects, be part of senior leadership discussions and contribute to key business decisions. That kind of exposure and responsibility has made a huge difference in my professional development and prepared me for each new challenge.

What aspects do you think make Trelleborg an attractive employer?

Trelleborg gives people the room to make an impact. Because of the decentralized structure, you’re not just following a rigid set of instructions; you are actively shaping outcomes and contributing to success. There’s also a strong international aspect to our work. You get to collaborate with colleagues across different cultures, industries and markets, which keeps things interesting and helps you grow both professionally and personally.

The company also invests in leadership development and encourages a culture of continuous learning. Innovation is at the core of what we do, and that aligns well with people who want to perform purposeful work. Personally, I feel I can make a difference here and that’s important to me.

Why would you recommend Trelleborg to someone beginning their professional career?

You can get real responsibility early on in your career. Trelleborg trusts its people to take ownership of their work, and that is one of the best ways to learn and build a strong foundation. You become part of a team working on meaningful projects that have a direct impact on the business.

It is also a global company, which gives you valuable exposure to different markets and cultures right from the start. The people here are genuinely supportive and encourage you to grow, speak up with new ideas and contribute to your team’s success. If you are starting out and want to build a solid professional foundation in a dynamic environment, Trelleborg is a great place to do that.