Bob Peters
System Architect (Automotive)
"It took a really special offer to get me to change companies.
But what can I say?… TomTom was better."
"Things change on a daily basis at TomTom and that's not for
everyone, but I like it. We're reacting directly to consumer needs
and working with all kinds of automotive customers who've got their
own agendas. It's a real challenge when you're trying to make a
fixed plan for the future and then dates start shifting.
"I was at a consulting company before, but I was lured away by
TomTom's products, their technology, their ability to focus on the
needs of their employees despite the rapid growth of the
company.
"My role is very different here. As a System Architect, you're
usually just involved in electronics, software and mechanics, but
here it's also about operations…logistics…all kinds of things. As a
responsible, technical person, you have to think about all the
disciplines involved rather than just focusing on your own domain.
It's really interesting to see how everything works together and
it's a fantastic learning experience. We're producing so many great
products: I recently worked on a FIAT project which involves the
PND talking to the car - it's brilliant technology."
"TomTom is a company where you can grab your chances."
"In a lot of companies they'll stand over you, tell you what to
do. It's very different at TomTom: if you show that you're capable
they'll give you the responsibility to get on and do it. I'm
currently doing an MBA, so I decided with my manager that I
wouldn't do any extra training on top. However, I only have to
indicate that I'm interested in a particular course and there's the
immediate possibility that it will happen."