Thanks for joining CSI+ for another meet the member interview. This week we will be joined by Michael Nykjær, CEO of DAMPA.
What do you do at your company and in what circumstances would I come to you for something?
“As CEO of DAMPA, and doubling as CCO, I bring years of expertise in steering our company’s vision and sales strategy. My primary focus is on delivering top-tier metal ceilings to the marine sector. When you’re seeking a ceiling solution for a ship, whether it’s an acoustically optimized ceiling, one that follows stringent fire safety standards, a bespoke design or a sustainable solution, my extensive experience ensures that we can meet your specific needs with precision and excellence.”
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
“A common misconception tied to my role as CEO is the assumption that my involvement is limited to oversight from a distant corner office. My approach is far more hands-on. People often express surprise when they see me actively participating in fieldwork or client meetings, questioning why a CEO is present when there are no apparent issues.
However, this direct involvement is crucial for effectively steering DAMPA. It’s not just about managing; it’s about forging genuine connections with our customers, understanding their needs firsthand, and ensuring that DAMPA’s offerings are not just products, but value-driven solutions tailored to the market demand.”
Has your company got any upcoming projects / events / exciting news that you can talk about?
“At DAMPA we’re always buzzing with new ideas and projects that are just around the corner. For those attending the CSIE London 29-30 November, which is the next event we’re attending to, it’ll be worth to stop by our booth (404) for a chat, where I’d love to share more about what we have in store and how our initiatives enhance our offerings to the marine sector. When I leave the building at CSIE London, I will fly straight to another fair, Marintec in Shanghai, where I’m present from 5-8 December.”
What has been your favourite project to work on?
“Reflecting on the diverse and fascinating projects I’ve been involved with; the AIDA Perla stands out as a personal favorite. This project was particularly memorable because it was built on our previous experience with its sister ship, the AIDA Prima.
While the AIDA Prima project presented us with some significant challenges, it was a journey of learning and adaptation, which set the stage for the success we achieved with the AIDA Perla. Throughout that project, we also developed our DAMPA® 190/10 Panel for that specific project and delivered between 15.000 and 20.000 square meters of ceiling for public areas in more than 30 colors.
What truly made the AIDA Perla project, so rewarding was the extraordinary level of collaboration. Working with architects, owners, and the shipyard, we created a synergy that developed our collective expertise. The first ship’s production taught us invaluable lessons, enabling a smoother, more efficient, and highly successful collaboration for the second ship. It was a great experience that not only fulfilled our client’s vision but also improved our own understanding and approach to large-scale, complex projects in the marine sector.”
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?
“It’s difficult to say, but I do believe that we, to a high degree, can attribute our success to our good relations. So, I think that one of my good personality traits is my positive energy and acknowledging the value of good relations. Therefore, I prioritize a lot of time networking and nurturing valuable connections.
Of course, it is not given that relations equal success, but I believe that showing that we are good people you can trust in business entails that whenever an issue or upcoming project arises, they will reach out for our input on the matter. You can buy ceilings all over the world, but with us, you don’t just get the product, you also get sky high service.”
Could you share the most significant obstacle you have faced in your career so far, particularly in cruise work? Or, have you ever encountered any problems in cruise work that required you to learn a new skillset?
“The most significant obstacle, but also something that has taught me a lot is the fact that the marine industry is global and multicultural, which means that we collaborate with people from all over the world. Therefore, I’ve had to learn how to navigate many different cultures, whether I’m visiting Scandinavian countries, Asian countries etc.
Today, I’m incredibly aware of the cultural differences across the world – you can find yourself in a project meeting potentially with people from seven different nationalities. We’re all communicating in a somewhat foreign language and the business behavior varies from country to country. So not only are there language barriers, but possibly also cultural barriers to be aware of.”
What inspired you to pursue this field of work? Or, what was your first taste of the cruise industry?
“When I entered my position as CEO of DAMPA, the marine segment came along. So, I would say my inspiration can be found in maintaining and passing on the position on the market that DAMPA worked on for more than 50 years.
I consider it a privilege to lead a company that commands such respect and high regard in the marine sector. This level of esteem and trust from our clients and partners didn’t come easily. It’s the result of consistent dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service, which are the pillars of our DAMPA DNA.”
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
“One surprising fact that most people don’t know about me is my passion for food. Not only am I a connoisseur of good food, but I also take great pleasure in cooking. My kitchen is like a second office where I experiment and create. And I’m proud to say that I’m handling a spatula with the same enthusiasm I bring to my role at DAMPA.
Not meaning to brag, but my signature dish is lasagna. But it’s not just any lasagna – it’s a recipe that I’ve refined over the years- in fact in some period we had lasagna every Friday night! And just for fun, let’s say there’s a parallel between layering a lasagna and building a successful company – it’s all about balancing the right ingredients and ensuring everything comes together harmoniously.”
What are the most significant changes you have seen in the Cruise Interior sector since you started, and what emerging trends do you foresee shaping its future?
“Since my journey began in the marine sector, one of the most significant shifts I’ve observed is the rising status of sustainability. This change reflects a broader awareness and commitment across the industry to environmental responsibility. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards sustainable practices, not just as a corporate responsibility but as a core element of design and operation.”
Do you have a fun-fact or piece of advice about your company/industry that you can share?
“A fun fact about our company is that we were one of the first companies to offer fire-certified continuous ceilings for the marine industry. These products are now part of the DAMPA DCC product line, which was and is still known for qualities as easy installation, numerous integration options and acoustic properties.
Another fun part about DAMPA DCC is that the ceiling system revolutionized the industry to such a degree that similar ceiling systems are now known as DAMPA ceilings, even if they are not produced here at DAMPA.”
Do you specialise in a particular type of product? What makes it different to competitors?
“In the marine sector, we specialize in metal ceiling solutions. We produce acoustic, decorative, and fire-classified B and C-class ceilings in all RAL colors, with digital print and decorative PVC foil.
I’d rather talk about what we at DAMPA offer to the marine industry, than our differences to our competitors: As a company and as a team, we are very customer oriented. Usually, I state that our deliveries are 50% product and 50% service. That is also one of the reasons why I’m often ‘in the fields’ ensuring that we have the customer first in everything we do. The right solution really depends on the customer’s specific needs, which is why we strive to make bespoke solutions that meet or even exceed our customers’ demands. There are many parts of the service that we find just as important as the product to ensure a smooth project process. One of which is of course delivering on time, as the shipyards often have a tight schedule.”
What kind of questions do you ask before beginning a project, and which piece of information is of utmost value in planning a successful project?
“The foundation of any successful project at DAMPA lies in the initial dialogue we engage in with our clients. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as each project brings its unique requirements and challenges. However, the most critical aspect for us is gaining a comprehensive understanding of our client’s needs and expectations right from the start.
We place a strong emphasis on this initial phase of information gathering and consultation. Many essential pieces must come together to complete the puzzle. It’s not just about picking the right product or ensuring timely delivery; it’s about aligning our solutions perfectly with the client’s vision. This approach to understanding and responding to our clients’ specific needs is what enables us to plan and execute projects that not only meet but often exceed expectations.”
What role does sustainability play in your company? How do you incorporate environmentally friendly practices and materials?
“Sustainability is increasingly becoming a more significant factor day by day. AT DAMPA we incorporate sustainability in everything we do by focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling. That means that we have a constant focus on how we can improve our materials and processes to ensure the lowest impact possible. Additionally, we design our products for durability, allowing them to be reused beyond their initial application and ensuring maximum recyclability. This approach is particularly beneficial with our metal ceilings, as the metal can be recycled multiple times without compromising its mechanical qualities. Furthermore, we have EPDs on our ceiling solutions in steel and aluminium, ensuring that they can be used in LCA projects.”
What goals have you met so far in 2023? Or, what goals/milestones are you working to meet this year?
“In relation to the last question, we have focused a lot on sustainability in the past few years. A milestone that we have reached was the introduction of our 75% post-consumer aluminium with which we can offer a ceiling solution with a low CO2 emission compared to our conventional aluminium. We are currently working closely with our partners to incorporate other green alternatives in the upcoming years. E.g., fossil-free steel production is currently in the pipeline, so we are looking to implement this in our production soon. Furthermore, we are working on becoming cradle-to-cradle certified as well as implementing new initiatives such as a take-back service to ensure that the products are recycled or reused after use.”
Thank you Michael Nykjær for such a great interview!
