Interview with Freddy Aben. New Sales Director at Xebia Belgium 

Meet Freddy Aben, the energetic and passionate Sales Director at Xebia Belgium. Freddy’s journey to Xebia is rooted in his extensive experience at the intersection of business and technology, and his genuine love for creating meaningful connections between clients and the right solutions. Alongside his role at Xebia, Freddy also serves as a team manager for a Division 1 ice hockey team, where his two sons play. This involvement gives him the opportunity to refine his organizational and communication skills, which directly apply to his work at Xebia, helping to strengthen collaboration and create value both internally and with clients. 

“At Xebia, it’s about more than just technology. It’s about connecting people and delivering real, strategic value that will last for years.”

From Software Engineer to Sales Director 

Freddy’s career began in software engineering, where he developed a keen interest in programming and system analysis. He studied informatics and even explored electronics with a dream of building robots and programming them. His technical background laid the foundation for his later work in business development. Freddy has worked at some of the biggest names in consulting, including CGI, Capgemini, and Microsoft, always specializing in finding innovative solutions for digital transformation. 

However, it was his transition into sales that truly fueled his drive. He discovered that his real passion lay not in account management, but in business development; hunting for new opportunities, creating relationships, and opening doors with companies he had never interacted with before. Freddy’s approach has always been transparent and client-focused, emphasizing that he would never sell something he doesn’t genuinely believe in. His honesty and authenticity have been key in building trust and long-term relationships with clients. 

“My goal is simple: to open doors, build relationships, and bring real, meaningful solutions to our clients. It’s not just about making a sale; it’s about making a difference.”

Why Xebia

Freddy was drawn to Xebia because of the company’s unique combination of technical depth, people-centric culture, and strong focus on knowledge sharing. From his first day at Xebia, he felt like he had found a place where he could grow professionally and make a real impact. He believes that Xebia stands apart in its approach to digital transformation, offering not just services, but strategic partnerships that help clients create long-term value. Freddy’s love for the company’s culture, which encourages collaboration, open communication, and ownership, perfectly aligns with his own values. 

“Xebia isn’t just about delivering services. It’s about building partnerships and ensuring that clients feel supported every step of the way. It’s an environment where you can grow while creating real value for everyone involved.”

What Makes Freddy Tick

Freddy’s work is driven by a deep passion for technology, building relationships, and entrepreneurial spirit. The challenge of identifying a client’s pain point and working with experts to craft a solution is what energizes him. He also enjoys the thrill of discovering new clients and creating opportunities through networking. But what truly excites Freddy is the bridge he builds between clients and consultants. Ensuring the right fit between a consultant’s skills and the client’s needs is at the heart of what he does. 

Beyond work, Freddy has a deep passion for ice hockey and camping. His two sons were both heavily involved in ice hockey, and Freddy has been deeply committed to managing the team. His love for camping goes beyond just an occasional weekend getaway. He and his family enjoy extensive road trips in their camper van, exploring Europe and meeting new people along the way. 

“There’s nothing like the satisfaction of solving a client’s challenge or building something that has a lasting impact. It’s about helping people, whether that’s on the ice rink or in the business world.”

What Sets Freddy Apart

What most people don’t know about Freddy is his devotion to hip-hop music, especially the classics from the 90s and early 2000s. Tracks like "Hip Hop Hooray" by Naughty by Nature or "Killing in the Name" by Rage Against the Machine are what get him going, providing a boost of energy to tackle the day ahead or unwind after a tough one. 

Freddy is also known for his exceptional honesty and openness. His approach to sales is transparent, and he has built a reputation for giving clients exactly what they need, even if it means referring them to other companies for certain services. His ultimate goal is always to add value and make sure that both clients and Xebia benefit from the partnership. 

“Being honest with clients is my top priority. I would never sell something I don’t fully believe in, and if another company can do the job better, I’ll make sure they get the help they need.”

Looking Forward. What Freddy Brings to Xebia 

Freddy’s extensive network and business development skills are already bearing fruit for Xebia Belgium. He is focused on identifying the right opportunities, bringing in new clients, and helping the team grow in a positive and energizing direction. Freddy’s leadership style is about creating space for collaboration, empowering people to perform at their best, and always focusing on building long-term relationships rather than just short-term wins. 

His forward-thinking mindset, enthusiasm, and determination are the qualities that Freddy is eager to bring to Xebia. He is excited to contribute to making Xebia the go-to partner for clients undergoing digital transformation. With his passion for technology, collaboration, and making a real difference, Freddy is certain that his work will have a lasting and meaningful impact on the company. 

“I’m here to make a difference – not just by hitting targets, but by bringing people together, creating opportunities, and making sure we’re doing the right thing for our clients.”

Freddy Aben is a prime example of what it means to embody the core values of Xebia: People First, Sharing Knowledge, Customer Intimacy, and Quality Without Compromise. His approach is human-centric, honest, and impactful, and we are excited to see the heights Xebia Belgium will reach with Freddy leading the way.