From Trainee to Co-CEO: Lennart’s Journey at CARU Containers

Starting at CARU: Learning by Doing
During his studies, Lennart felt he lacked hands-on experience. When he came across an internship at CARU, he thought: why not? The no-nonsense CARU mentality: “just get things done without overcomplicating things”, immediately resonated with him. When he mentioned he was considering a management traineeship elsewhere, CARU founder Rob Tromp simply said: “Then we’ll create one for you here.”

His traineeship took him through every department, every office, and deep into the operational side of the business. From container repairs in the depot to working at the terminal in the Port of Rotterdam, it was a full immersion in the world of container logistics. After completing the programme, he was encouraged to seize opportunities. His first major project, launching the world’s first container webshop, set the tone for his future at CARU. The freedom to grow and take initiative ensured he never wanted to leave.

Growing Within a Dynamic Organization
The first challenge: finding your place
As an intern without a defined role, Lennart often felt like the “student floating around.” In a hands-on company, people naturally ask: “What are you going to do?” That question pushed him to carve out his place early on.

Room for development
CARU supported his development in a unique way. There was no pressure to deliver immediate ROI or prove himself instantly. Personal growth mattered just as much as professional success. From coaching and working with a haptonomist to encouragement around physical activity, he was supported from day one. Rob Tromp played a significant role as mentor, sharing his time, insights, and experience. That combination of trust, guidance, and freedom shaped Lennart’s early years, and still influences him today.

What does it mean to be a Co-CEO?
The Co-CEO structure fits CARU’s origins: the company was born from a merger where two directors led together. Today, Lennart shares leadership with Stijn de Vries. Stijn oversees the bottom line; Lennart focuses on the top line. The greatest advantage? Big decisions are never made alone. Leadership can be isolating, but shared responsibility means constant sparring, reflection, and alignment. From day-to-day issues to long-term strategy.

A dream come true
Becoming Co-CEO had long been Lennart’s ambition. While the role now feels like a natural part of his work, it is still deeply rewarding to help shape CARU’s future. The company he has been proud to work for over more than a decade.

His contribution as Co-CEO
After nearly 12 years at CARU, Lennart sees it as his responsibility to keep the founders’ vision alive. He carries forward the focus on development, sustainability and the unique CARU DNA. Ensuring that the organization continues to operate “the CARU way” is central to his leadership.

The CARU DNA: Develop, Dare, Do
CARU’s DNA is rooted in continuous development of people, business, and relationships. Employees have a high degree of freedom and responsibility, balanced by the support they need to make the right decisions. CARU calls this “ownership.”

Long-term relationships are another cornerstone. While the market often revolves around short-term deals, CARU believes sustainable success comes from long-term partnerships with both customers and suppliers. Much of CARU’s growth is driven by these enduring connections. And throughout everything, quality remains non-negotiable.

Lessons and Insights
The most important lesson learned
For Lennart, success is the result of deliberate, thoughtful choices, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s where you live, who you surround yourself with, or how you develop your skills, progress comes from conscious decisions. And when opportunities arise, even if they don’t match your expectations, you take them. By showing that you can get things done and investing in your development, your career naturally accelerates.

What he would tell his younger self
On his first day, Rob gave him some unexpected advice: ditch the sunglasses, button up the shirt, lose the backpack. Details matter. Looking back, Lennart sees how those small adjustments shaped professional perception. If he could give himself one piece of advice now? “Enjoy the ride.” His forward-looking mindset drives him, but it also means he sometimes forgets to appreciate the moment.

Why CARU Is a great place for Young Talent
At CARU, young professionals gain access to opportunities that would take years to earn in a corporate environment. Real responsibility, meaningful projects, and a generous training budget create an environment where ambitious talent can thrive. But the fit has to be right: CARU is lean, fast-paced, and requires initiative. For those who love autonomy, ownership, and creating real impact, it’s an ideal place to build a career.

“CARU is a place for entrepreneurial people who want to take initiative, make things happen, and get things done.”

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