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In our NORMAPeople series, employees around the world talk about their day-to-day work, how they came to the company and what they appreciate most about their jobs.
Ernesto Gomez is Director of Sales for the Water Management business in the EMEA region. In this interview, he shares his perspective on the importance of efficient water use, how his team is driving growth across diverse markets, and how the ongoing divestment process is shaping the future of the business.
Ernesto, how long have you been with NORMA Group?
I have been working at NORMA Group for two and a half years, leading sales for Water Management in EMEA. It has been an exciting journey, and I’m proud of what we have achieved so far.
What are your key responsibilities?
My team and I are responsible for developing and expanding the Water Management business in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa).
“Our mission is to execute a strong regional strategy that drives deeper market penetration and sustainable, profitable growth.”
As Sales Director, I am responsible for setting clear revenues and growth targets for the sales team. I also lead market expansion initiatives in both established and developing regions. In addition, I work closely with the marketing, product management and supply chain departments to ensure that we deliver the right solutions to our customers. An important part of my role is also to coach and empower my team to be successful in their respective markets.
What does your typical working day look like?
No two days are ever the same! My role involves a lot of traveling, as being present in the market is crucial for expanding our business. I spend a significant amount of time meeting customers, understanding their needs, and identifying new opportunities.
Given the diversity of the more than 100 countries in the EMEA region, my focus varies. In established markets, we work on strengthening our customer relationships and driving incremental growth. In developing markets, we educate potential customers about our solutions and demonstrate their benefits.
When I’m not traveling, my time is spent on strategic sales planning, performance tracking, and team leadership to ensure we are aligned and on track for success.
Do you have any specific routines in your daily work?
Discipline and preparation are key. Before every customer meeting, I analyze the market conditions and specific customer needs to ensure we offer tailored solutions.
At the same time, flexibility is essential – with such a diverse region, unexpected situations can arise, and my team and I must be ready to adapt quickly.
Why is water management so important to you?
Water is one of our most valuable resources, and using it efficiently is more important than ever.
“With global challenges such as water scarcity and climate change, we need solutions that help protect both water and the environment. I am proud that my team contributes to this goal every day.”
We work hard to provide high-quality, sustainable water management solutions that support our customers in making water use more efficient.
Is there a project that you are particularly proud of?
Absolutely! One of my proudest achievements is building and strengthening our sales team across the entire EMEA region. Today, we have a highly professional, motivated team that covers almost every country in the region – that is a fantastic achievement and a key driver of our success.
At the end of 2024, NORMA Group initiated the divestment process for the Water Management business. How has this affected your work?
The divestment is an important step for the future of the Water Management business, and I see it as a great opportunity. While ownership may change, our mission remains the same – delivering high-quality solutions for efficient irrigation and rainwater drainage.
My focus and that of my team is to keep building momentum and drive continued growth into 2025. With our strong NDS and TECO brands and a portfolio of over 2,000 products, we are well-positioned to establish ourselves as a leading player in the European market. 2025 is a key year for us, and I have no doubt that with our talented team and strong customer relationships, we will continue to achieve great results.
And when you’re not at work, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Since I travel frequently for work, my free time is all about my family. I also have a passion for sports – especially boxing and cycling, which help me stay active and energized.
Finally, what are your goals for the future?
My goal is clear: to establish NDS as the leading brand for Water Management solutions in EMEA. We are committed to helping our customers with professional, profitable, and sustainable solutions that make water use more efficient for future generations.
