Romain Gautie

Romain
Discover Romains journey at Trelleborg, from Aerospace Application Engineer to Aerospace Regional Sales Engineer for MRO & Aftermarket in EMEA. 
Tell us about yourself. How long have you been with the company, and what positions have you held during your tenure?
Since 2017, I’ve been an integral part of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. Initially, I worked as an Aerospace Application Engineer, diving into project development and qualification activities within the Aerospace Hub Europe. Fast forward five years, and I’ve seamlessly transitioned into the role of an Aerospace Sales Engineer. My focus? Managing key accounts for industry giants. 

And now, the cherry on top: I’ve recently been promoted to Aerospace Regional Sales Engineer for the MRO & Aftermarket in EMEA! It’s an exciting chapter, and I’m ready to take flight.

As an employee, what are your main responsibilities in your current role? How has your role evolved over the years? *
In my roles as a Regional Sales Engineer and as a Key Account Manager, my primary responsibility is to oversee my customer portfolio. I work closely with a dedicated team, including a Sales Assistant, Application Engineer, and Quality Engineer. Together, we ensure that orders and deliveries proceed seamlessly through our manufacturing facilities while meeting customer requirements. 

Additionally, I have the privilege of supporting customers in developing new projects by participating in design and RFP activities. Over time, my role has evolved from technical expertise to focusing on relationship-building and strategic planning.

What has kept you motivated and engaged while working at Trelleborg for an extended period?
At Trelleborg, we operate as a global organization, and our multicultural environment thrives on workplace well-being, effective communication, and shared goals. One of our most impactful initiatives, One Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, was launched four years ago and has truly transformed the way we work. It serves as a vital bridge, connecting teams across Manufacturing, Purchasing, Engineering, and Sales—spanning different sites globally.

On a personal note, I have a passion for travel, meeting new people, and immersing myself in diverse cultures. Fortunately, my role allows me to do just that, whether interacting with colleagues or engaging with customers. 

With your wealth of experience, how do you envision the future of your area of expertise within Trelleborg? What trends or developments do you see shaping the industry, and how do you plan to adapt? 
The Aerospace sector is experiencing rapid growth and Trelleborg continues to strategically invest in our existing Aerospace facilities to support organic expansion and external acquisitions. As our key customers increasingly prioritize sustainable practices, local presence will play a pivotal role in reshaping supply chains with a keen eye on carbon emissions.

And guess what? We’re aiming to become a comprehensive polymer solutions supplier—from nose to tail and tip to tip. This ambitious goal will significantly enhance our global capabilities while maintaining a strong local presence.

As a Sales Engineer, I am excited about the opportunities this transformation brings. It allows us to offer an even broader range of products and extend our customer portfolio, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in the ever-evolving Aerospace market.

What advice would you give to people at the beginning of their careers, based on your own professional journey? Any key lessons or principles that have helped you succeed and grow?
Networking is crucial both with our customers and internally. At Trelleborg, this holds especially true. Our internal network plays a pivotal role in succeeding within this matrix organization. Building genuine relationships takes time, but it’s well worth the effort. So, I advise being patient and focusing on nurturing those connections.

Outside of work, how do you spend your free time? Tell us about your hobbies, interests, or any community involvement that you're passionate about.
In my free time, I enjoy a variety of hobbies. Traveling allows me to explore new places and cultures, while sports keep me active and energized. House renovation is a creative outlet—I find joy in transforming spaces. Cooking is both a passion and a way to unwind; there’s something therapeutic about preparing a delicious meal. And of course, spending quality time with friends is essential—it’s where memories are made.