“I am active, outspoken and energetic. I am a person who likes to communicate with others, outspoken, I always look at things from the positive side and focus on the final result,” is how Victoria Lobanova, Regional HR Director, describes herself.

Victoria’s work experience is impressive – 25 years spent working in the HR division of companies in various industries, developing skills and experience in all areas of human resources (e.g. training, remuneration and evaluation, selection, personnel management, etc.), as well as gaining solid international experience.

Victoria travels a lot and likes to create itineraries for her future planned trips and is always trying new activities like discovering new books, gadgets, etc. Also, Victoria likes to meet friends in her free time. “I really like theatre, cinema, opera and entertainment. Besides, I have a daughter – a teenager, with whom we spend our free time,” says Victoria.

Nauris Krūmiņš, the manager of the plasterboard workshop, admits that he is a team player – focused on achieving goals together. “I believe that it is possible to do much more together than individually. I am able to cooperate well, seek compromises. I like to solve complex situations step by step, looking for rational, data-driven explanations, I don’t jump to emotional conclusions.” It is important for Nauris not to stop growing and developing, that is why Nauris tries to integrate various professional courses, books and educational podcasts on a daily basis. “Two books have recently resonated with me the most – The Goal about organising production work and Thinking fast and slow about critical thinking,” says Nauris.

For the last 10 years, Nauris has been working as a production and project manager in various production and construction companies with a focus on the international market, especially the Nordic countries. The previous experience is related to the management of production processes of metal structures, ensuring a full cycle of activities – production, design, assembly, team and budget management, etc.

“Currently, I spend most of my free time with my family and children – we travel to different parts of Latvia, we go hiking. I’m passionate about sports, especially volleyball and football. I like working with wood – experimenting, making different design elements,” Nauris reveals about himself.

Lote Načisčione, Sales and Marketing Manager, has been part of the Knauf team for almost a year. Her rich professional experience is complemented by truly powerful energy, a modern business perspective and a mind focused on achieving goals. The time spent together has passed very quickly. In the month of March, we asked a question about the insights she has seen after the time spent together. It seems that this was the first time that Lote had an opportunity to think about this.

The question served as a brief reminder to stop and notice how much has already been done, how thoughts and actions have materialised into quality work. Lote speaks highly of her team: “There are no impossible things for us. We are industry leaders with our finger on the pulse of the market. We are able to adapt quickly and feel the vibration of opportunity. Together we are truly strong, and our Know-how is the answer to why we are able to pass through the eye of any needle.”

Outlining the future, Lote highlights the need to improve the use of technical opportunities of the 21st century as one of the priorities. The Knauf company has all the necessary resources to achieve results at an even higher level.

Made Švarcbaha Subača, assistant to the head of sales and marketing, describes herself as a communicative, open person who quickly adapts to a new team. One cannot disagree with this and it has certainly been noticed and appreciated by all Made’s colleagues. “I am open to new challenges and I try to improve as much as possible so that I can set new goals for achievements,” Made adds.

Made has worked in debt collection for eight years as a pre-trial debt collection specialist, also leading her work group and training new employees. For a short time, she worked in a company that sells and performs assembly work for solar panels and inverters, where in addition to her work duties, she also performed administrative work in the BIS system and created advertising content. Made likes to spend her free time with her family. 

Sales representative Mārtiņš Birkāns says about himself that he is communicative, determined, outspoken and endowed with a good sense of humour. For a little more than ten years, Mārtiņš has worked for the largest beverage distributor in Latvia, Amber Distribution Latvia. “I started as a merchandiser, continued as a sales representative and finally as a regional sales manager, a position I held for almost six years,” says Mārtiņš.

Mārtiņš likes to spend his free time with his family and friends. He also likes to do homework. In turn, Mārtiņš’s passion is hunting and everything related to it.

Procurement specialist Svens Šulcs says that he is communicative, or at least tries to be so when he gets to know people better. “I always try to be active, because I really don’t like sitting still and staring at the ceiling. I try to help and support, no matter how much work there is. Others say I know how to stay calm in critical situations, even though I don't think so myself,” Svens introduces himself.

Most of his work experience was gained at Circle K Business Centre, where Svens worked as an assistant to the Procurement Manager. “As I tell myself laughing, I would say that the job was something in between being a secretary to the managers and being their substitute while they were on holiday,” said Svens. After six years of working at Circle K, Svens has decided to try his hand at the other side of procurement, namely in the sales department of Cabot Latvia. “I worked there as an assistant to the Sales Manager. I realised quite quickly that sales is not my field and I prefer to buy products and look for the best offers, rather than sell them,” explains Svens.

Svens tries to spend his free time doing all kinds of activities. At the top of Svens’ favourite activities is downhill skiing. “Recently I’ve been into off-road driving (4x4). In any case, I never say no to trying a new extreme activity,” says Svens.

Production project engineer Dmitrijs Gusenkovs is communicative and responsive, and has a good sense of humour. “I like to learn and master something new, and I also always try to achieve my goals,” says Dmitrijs.

Dmitrijs’ previous work experience is related to production and construction companies Schwenk and SIA Consolis Latvija.

Dmitrijs spends his free on his hobby and passion – fishing. “And I also really like to travel with my family,” says Dmitrijs.

Line operator Artjoms Kaļiņins
I used to work in construction, doing interior work. Friends recommended a job at Knauf because it is a good place to work and it would also be close to home for me. In my free time I like to go fishing.  In my opinion, the best place for fishing is the Daugava. I am very satisfied and love working in the plasterboard workshop.

Line operator Emīls Tarnavskis says this about himself: “I am active, friendly, punctual and like to learn something new!”  Emīls’ previous work experience has been at Skonto Prefab, where he worked as a quality controller. “Sometimes everything was chaotic there. But I think that a bad experience is also an experience!”

Emīls likes to spend his free time with friends and relatives, organising various events, long trips, as well as joint walks. Emīls likes to play football and also other team sports. The new colleague admits that he likes the Knauf team, revealing that he can always ask his colleagues for advice if something is not clear.

Line operator Arturs Blaževičs has also joined the Knauf team, but Arturs is secretive and does not want to reveal any information about himself in the pages of this magazine. Therefore, colleagues, try to get to know Arturs personally :)

Locksmith Sergejs Sisojevs

I’m Sergejs, I don’t like to talk and tell a lot about myself. I am a family man. I have two teenage daughters and a life partner.

I am a communicative and open person. I like open-minded and sincere people and dislike hypocrisy. 
I believe that I am helpful, I will put aside my work and help a neighbour or someone who needs help.
I am good at many technical things, for example: laying a tiled floor – making repairs in a room, plumbing work, resoldering fine wires, as well as changing bearings for various equipment.

I also like to have an order of my own, when I know what is where (even the smallest screw). I admit that I tend to be a little messy in places, but I know where all my smallest screws are. I like to buy different tools so that I can have them for every possible situation in my life.

I try to spend my free time with my family, going on a trip somewhere far or near. In short: I feel good where I feel free, comfortable and calm.

Oto Vasiļjevs, an electrician, does not talk much about himself because he is a reserved person. He describes himself as pragmatic and approaches everything philosophically: “What must be done – must be done!” Oto is also responsible, because he tries to carry out the things he is entrusted with and see them through to the end. Before working for Knauf, Oto worked in a printing house, repairing and maintaining various production equipment.

Oto likes to spend his free time with family. “I also like to exercise and read a good book,” Oto adds.

Line operator Gints Štengels

In my spare time, I enjoy fishing on the Kurzeme side of the sea. I love to root for football, I support the Liepāja football club. Supporting my son's football training is “my second job”.

My goal in life is to educate my son so that he can get a higher education. I am very satisfied to work in a friendly and supportive team in the lime workshop.

Line operator Ņikita Kuzmičovs

I live in Riga. As I love nature, I like to travel around Latvia in my free time, looking for the most beautiful natural landscapes. I'm also interested in fishing. Sometimes we go fishing with work colleagues. I am grateful to Knauf for an unforgettable experience and for meeting such great people!

Inese Priedīte, a laboratory technician, has gained considerable experience working as a packing plant manager at Cesvaines Piens Riga structural unit. There, Inese's duties were to control the compliance of production with production requirements. Inese's main tasks at Knauf are to carry out quality control of raw materials and products in the gypsum dry mix laboratory.

In her spare time, Inese enjoys knitting, crocheting, gardening and bowling with her family and friends.

Warehouse worker Sergejs Muļjanovs describes himself as punctual and responsible. “I am demanding of myself at work and I try to perform my work duties with a high sense of responsibility,” Sergejs says.

Sergejs has 15 years of works experience as a bus driver, as well as experience in the warehouse works at IKEA. “I learn something from each of my previous jobs, building on the overall work experience, such as communication skills, overall work organisation, fostering a sense of community, factors and opportunities for increasing productivity,” explains Sergejs. In his free time, Sergejs enjoys spending time with his family, going to the cinema, playing football or board games. He also likes cycling.

Jevgēnijs Timčuks, manager of self-propelled equipment and machinery, has been working with machinery for 14 years. Describes himself as independent and responsible. When asked how he likes to spend his free time, Jevgēnijs is succinct: “I am a family man”.

Dace Tuvikene-Vītola, Employee Engagement Specialist, joined our team at the end of May. Dace has acquired a wide range of knowledge and professions directly related to communication and the well-being of the people around her. Her favourite saying is: “The main thing is that the person is good. “Today’s world is characterised by its dynamism and the different values that coexist within it. Dace wishes everyone: “To stop more often and be aware of the fleeting moment in which we live. Appreciate the people around us.“

She mostly recharges her energy levels in a harmonious home environment or by taking part in a hike or sports training (running, martial arts). She describes herself as a sincere and creative person. Favourite foods: pizza and cakes!

Marketing Project Manager Elizabete Lazda

After living in Germany, Estonia and Portugal, Elisabeth says she has settled in Latvia, but after trying her hand at both customs and the world of communications management, she has found her true calling in marketing. Elizabeth is no stranger to the world of construction, having previously worked for a real estate development company.

She says: “I’ve been dancing through life since I was a child, taking notes and writing things down, reading and studying books at the speed of a worm. I don't spend money on shoes, but on plane tickets and concerts, and the best holidays are the ones when I'm not at home. I truly believe that life is really about the journey – upwards, forwards or in a circle, it doesn't matter, but it's important to be moving mentally or physically.”

Head of Product Group Mārtiņš Ansons

From the time I was a teenager, I knew clearly that I wanted my future life and career to be in construction and architecture. Immediately after finishing primary school, I went to Riga Building College, where I spent a total of 7 years and obtained a degree in civil engineering.

Studying confirmed that, yes, this is my thing and I want to pursue it, so I started working as a construction manager straight after my studies. After 3 years, I was given the opportunity to work as a construction project manager. I worked in this position for 7 years.

This has been a very valuable and invaluable experience of 10 years in the “kitchen” of construction, which has given me the confidence to join the Knauf team as the head of the Product Group. Step by step, I've landed in the company that has been my dream job since I worked in construction. New goals, new challenges, new colleagues, new career stage! “Make tomorrow a home for all of us” means a lot to me!
Mārtiņš describes himself as a decent, hard-working, goal-oriented, kind-hearted person who is a little shy.

Mārtiņš devotes his free time to various sports activities – hockey and floorball in the winter, beach volleyball and travelling in the summer.

Knauf sales representative Artūrs Žvīgurs

He has been working in the trade sphere for more than 10 years, for the last 8 years he has been managing the construction department at the company Wurth Latvia. He considers construction to be one of the most exciting fields in which to be, grow and develop alongside industry experts. It's all about relationships and simple communication.

He describes himself as a typical Sagittarius by horoscope, who is endlessly ambitious, energetic and cheerful, open-minded and a supportive colleague.

Outside work, he is a family man – a full-time father and husband. In his spare time, he enjoys being on the move, being active, travelling and all kinds of sporting activities. His heart’s passion – Drifts and Harley Davidson!

Energy engineer Roberts Grants

My entire professional career has been in the energy sector, with a particular focus on renewable energy, energy management systems and project management. Before joining Knauf, I worked for more than 10 years at the Latvian distribution system operator AS “Sadales tīkls”, where I held a number of key positions ranging from electrical network supervision to project management and supervision.

I have obtained a professional master's degree in electrical technology computer control, as well as a bachelor's degree in engineering in electrical power engineering, and I am currently also continuing my doctoral studies at Riga Technical University, where I conduct scientific research on decision support systems for optimal charging of decentralised electric vehicles and big data processing in the energy sector.

I am a sociable, determined and open-minded person with a good sense of humour. As Albert Einstein once said: "The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." I believe that this ability to adapt and change has been a key factor in my career and personal development.

In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and get involved in various sporting activities, especially rugby, as I played rugby for the Latvian national team. I also do running, weightlifting and various other sports activities. These activities not only keep me physically fit, but also contribute to my mental and emotional well-being.

Warehouse Manager Juris Sinkēvičs

I am an experienced warehouse manager with more than 15 years of experience in the logistics industry. Previously, I managed the warehouse at AS “Latvijas Balzams”, where I supervised a team of 60 employees. After more than six years of service, I embarked on a journey of almost two years, during which I travelled around the Asian region and finished with an 800 km walk along the Spanish coast. This experience has enriched my understanding of different cultures and improved my management and planning skills. I am interested in innovation, I am adventurous and spend a lot of my free time in nature, fishing on Latvia's rivers and lakes.

Production planner Endijs Avotiņš

Andy is a man of great determination. He joined the Knauf team at the end of May, and at the same time has already moved to Riga. Previously, he was a long-term employee of the company Valmieras stikla šķiedra. His desire for new career challenges has led him to the position of Production Planner in our company.

He gets his energy back by doing physical activities, such as MTB biking and hunting. Endijs also sometimes competes in amateur level cycling events. On hunting, he says: “Hunting interests me not only for the sense of adventure and the shooting. The study of animal behaviour and their life in the forest is also fascinating.“

When asked what superpower he would like to give himself, Andy said: “I would choose the ability to teleport. Speed and efficiency, fun and adventure – getting from one place to another without wasting time, including spending less time during travelling. Like a free ticket to anywhere in the world!“

Jurijs Dementjevs, operator/manager of self-propelled equipment and machinery

I work in a gypsum workshop with a crusher. I like working with heavy machinery and learning about new tractor technologies. In my spare time, I do sports and music. I like active recreation: playing football, which I have done for 15 years, and cycling in Zilie kalni (Blue Mountains). In winter, I like to ski and play hockey.

Vitālijs Mahoņins, line operator

I'm interested in computer technology and the games industry. I enjoy playing video games and streaming them to other viewers. I enjoy travelling, meeting new people and trying national dishes from different countries. I value honesty in people. Life motto: Everything that does not kill us makes us stronger. (F. W. Nietzsche)

Arturs Lovčinovskis, line operator

I'm an ordinary guy from Salaspils. After graduating, I decided to work abroad. Then got older and decided to return to Latvia, get married and get a stable job. In my spare time I weld charcoal grills in my garage. I like listening to music, watching TV shows and playing volleyball.

Ņikita Lācis, line operator

I am 21 years old. After work at Knauf, I like to go to the gym. Maybe in the future I will decide to go into professional bodybuilding. In winter I do snowboarding. I also like cars and cross bikes. I have a vocational secondary education. From my current work experience, I rate Knauf as the best place to work. I have a great desire to continue working in this team. Now I just have to keep learning and moving forward!