Opening the event, Group CEO Huibert Vigeveno welcomed the company's newest colleagues and reflected on his own recent arrival at MET Group. Speaking to employees, Huibert emphasized the importance of building relationships and fostering an open, collaborative culture.
"For all the new joiners, the culture we're trying to create is a way to see and talk to each other and to get to know each other. What you will never forget is the people you work with. These people create the fabric of a company, and they're the reason people want to stay." Encouraging employees to make the most of the evening, he invited colleagues to engage with people outside their immediate teams, be curious, ask questions and build new connections.
The event also marked the launch of “MET Connect”, a new employee-driven initiative aimed at bringing people together in an informal setting. Huibert explained that the programme is intended to create regular opportunities for colleagues to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
Employees will be able to propose topics for future sessions, ranging from company strategy and business developments to personal interests and professional expertise. "The intent is to get closer to each other and closer to the things that we do," Huibert said.
The launch was followed by an open Q&A session, giving employees the opportunity to ask questions directly to the Group CEO. Discussion topics ranged from Huibert's experience as a new joiner and the company's strategic direction to broader international developments influencing the energy sector.
After the Q&A, colleagues enjoyed an evening of networking over pizza before being invited to tour the newly completed fifth floor. Speaking about the new space, Huibert described it as more than simply an office expansion. "What you will see upstairs is intent – the intent to show who we are, our ambition, and what we want to become."
The new floor reflects MET Group's growth ambitions and continued investment in its people and working environment. As Huibert noted, the opening serves as a visible reminder that the company continues to expand and create new opportunities across the business.
Looking ahead, Huibert said he is excited about the upcoming Group Team Building event in Prague next month, where employees will hear more about MET Group's strategic direction, future growth opportunities, and the capabilities needed to support the company's ambitions in the years ahead.
Concluding the event, he reminded colleagues that while milestones such as new offices, onboarding new employees, and launching initiatives are important, success ultimately depends on delivering results. "What really matters is that we do what we said we were going to do. For Q3 and Q4, deliver what you said you would deliver and then we will have a good year. We're only as good as what we're able to deliver."