BusinessMen
An entrepreneurial art
Wherever he goes, Bob Kneip influences his environment. Just like his favourite artists, he leaves his mark.
Early works
The employees of a company where Bob spent a summer placement still remember him. The “pink shirt day” he introduced demonstrated the positive impact of this type of initiative. The entrepreneur started his career in Belgium, in Sodexho’s “Chèque-Repas” division. Recognising the potential of the luncheon voucher concept, he completed a postgraduate course in Management and set up Chèque-Repas Luxembourg S.A, which he managed from 1987 to 1990. He then developed this business in Germany and Austria, gained experience as a Managing Director with a major distribution company, before entering the communications world with IP Group. Drawing on the best aspects of his experience to date, he developed an ambitious business model combining finance, communication and industrialisation of distribution. His employer was hesitant, so he set out on his own.
The Masterpiece
Kneip Communication S.A started trading in 1993. Building on various development phases and innovations, the company carved out a place for itself in the distribution of financial information. Its services supply thousands of destinations: newspapers, websites and other regulators. To address this challenge, Bob calls upon all available expertise, including his father Victor and his established network of friends. "Renamed "KNEIP", his company went on to expand through the investment of 3i Growth Capital, who provided support in making 3 acquisitions in 2009, and culminating in a repurchase of all shares in 2010. Today Bob continues to lead his company into the future as sole proprietor.
Passion for Pop Art
“Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art”. Bob appears to follow Andy Warhol’s philosophy to the letter, with works of art to be found in every corner of his offices. His passion for pop art can be traced back to the age of 12, when he used his pocket money to purchase his first print. By no means does he regard himself as a collector. He buys works for pleasure rather than as investments. He enjoys the effect his paintings create on visitors and staff. His employees are involved in his “Private Art Kirchberg” initiative – an opportunity for the public to view his collection. Futuristic or critical, but always fun, these paintings present a fairly accurate image of a creative and professional businessman, whose passion for art is surpassed only by his passion for life.
Authentified
