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OTTO Work Force is 25 years!

Welcome to OTTO Work Force, where we tell the story of people who want to improve their lives by working in another country. Enterprising individuals who roll up their sleeves, build a future for themselves, and contribute to the country where they work. It is also the story of those who make this possible, caring for their international colleagues and supporting their development, a story of respect.

This is the story of OTTO Work Force. Rapidly growing on the waves of increasing labor demand due to Europe's aging population. From day one, a trendsetter in the dynamic market of labor migration in Europe and soon also a market leader.

2000 2002 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

The beginning of OTTO 2000
2000 First employees at Gipmans
Opening of headquarters Venray 2002
2002 Establishment of OTTO Foundation
OTTO becomes
OTTO Work Force 2006
Farewell to co-founder Peter Verlegh 2008
OTTO Headquarters in Wroclaw, Poland 2010
10 years of OTTO: The Highlight is Tomorrow 2010

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Opening of Utrecht office 2012
2012 NL Loves PL campaign
2012 Our core values RESPECT
Karolina businesswoman of the Year 2014
OTTO opens Innovations Lab in Utrecht 2017
Start of partnership with Outsourcing Inc. 2018
2018 Introduction of 24/7 service center
2018 Frank and Karolina start KaFra Housing
OTTO fights against malicious agencies 2019
Own vaccination trailer against Corona 2020
OTTO launches OTTO Health Care 2021
First Filipino nurses start 2022
OTTO becomes main sponsor of PSV Women 2023
OTTO launches Deltaplan migration 2024
Frank and Karolina announce departure 2025
2025 OTTO Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Farewell

Frank and Karolina say goodbye at OTTO Work Force

Frank van Gool and Karolina Swoboda announced to the staff during the Christmas dinner that they will step down as CEO and Vice-CEO in March 2025, during the celebration of OTTO Work Force's 25th anniversary. 'This is a perfect moment to pass the baton. For 25 years, we have led the company, and it is now in better shape than ever,' said Frank van Gool, who co-founded the Venray-based company in 2000.

OTTO Docu

A quarter century of entrepreneurship

25 years of OTTO Work Force, an inspiring documentary about a quarter century of entrepreneurship. With highs and lows, personal stories, and the indestructible OTTO-DNA that still remains central. Founders Frank and Karolina take you to special places and moments that have shaped OTTO. From the first customer to the enormous growth, from social involvement to international acquisitions. Experience the story of OTTO through the eyes of customers, politicians, and employees. Discover how the company has developed into an indispensable link in the European labor market. 25 years of OTTO Work Force: drive, family feeling, and a future full of possibilities.

OTTO Insights

Voices of our team

Our people share their reflections on their time at OTTO. Discover their stories and their perspectives on what makes OTTO Work Force so special, through the eyes of those who have experienced it from the inside.

Lotte Executive Assistant to Frank van Gool

I am proud and grateful to have contributed to the success of OTTO Work Force for 15 years. It has been a journey full of memories, challenges, wonderful people, and personal growth with valuable lessons from Frank and Karolina.

Lotte
Paul 't Lam Communications Advisor

For more than 20 years, I had the chance to contribute ideas, write texts, and lead meetings and events. I became fascinated by the dynamics of the company and the social context of labor migration. I developed a bond with the people of OTTO Work Force and am proud to be part of the OTTO family.

Paul
Sophie van Hoenselaar Director Global Services & OTTO Health Care

What makes OTTO successful is the culture that everyone creates together. The motivation to grow, the energy everyone brings, and the entrepreneurship present at all levels of the organization. That is what makes working for OTTO such a pleasure.

Sophie
Danielle Keijl Operations Director Netherlands

OTTO has taught me standards. The standard of quality, the standard of what is possible with the right dedication. These are standards that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, ensuring that we do ordinary things extraordinarily well together.

Danielle
Peter Verlegh Co-founder OTTO

From the very beginning, I have been closely involved in the founding and growth of OTTO Work Force. Working with Frank van Gool, a man with exceptional vision and energy, has inspired me and given me great satisfaction. The team spirit and collective dedication have made OTTO what it is today.

Peter
Tomasz Dudek Managing Director CEE

I never expected to work for almost 19 years at one company, especially as someone who loves change, diversity, and growth. But at OTTO, I found all that, plus great people who make every day inspiring and rewarding. It has been an extraordinary journey that I deeply cherish.

Tomasz
Anna Marchewka Sales Director Poland

I started my journey with OTTO in 2006. Frank gave me a ticket, and I boarded the OTTO train. It is, and remains, an incredible adventure in my life. There is no other company like this. Not with such people, not with a Karolina like this, and not with a Frank like this. I am sure of that. Opportunities do not just happen; you create them.

Anna
Aleksandra Krys HR Manager Flex

What started as a plan for six months has grown into almost 20 years. OTTO saw me get married, become a mother of two beautiful children, and grow in my career. Here, I have made friendships for life. Frank and Karolina showed me that my place on earth is different than I initially expected.

Aleksandra
Adrian Glattki Manager Operations Service Center

In 25 years, OTTO has become much more than just a workplace for me. It is a story full of memories, challenges, and incredible people I have met along the way. I am proud to be part of this journey.

Adrian
Frank van Gool CEO

Twenty-five years ago, I never thought OTTO Work Force would grow into an international employment agency with 25.000 employees and a turnover of more than 1 billion euros. We owe this growth to our dedicated team, strong customer relationships, and overcoming challenges. My heart is filled with gratitude for our contributions to improving the position of labor migrants and the impactful moments we have shared.

Frank
Karolina Adriaanse-Swoboda Vice-CEO

At the age of 19, I moved to another country. What started as a short adventure evolved into a journey that shaped my life path forever. At OTTO, I developed myself, helped people, and got to know clients. However, this was not a solo journey; thanks to a fantastic team, we have achieved such great results together. After 25 years, I cherish the valuable lessons and unforgettable experiences.

Karolina
Justyna Kooijmans CHRO OTTO Holding

The years in this extraordinary company have flown by. I still enjoy our people, the great atmosphere, the drive, and the team spirit every day. Together we share joy and sorrow, celebrate successes, and even the tears make this journey unforgettable. I am proud of our company, where respect and appreciation are the foundation, and especially proud of our people and everything we have achieved together.

Justyna

Let's hear it!

This is the OTTO Inside Out Podcast

The inspiring story of how the initiative of young entrepreneurs grew into Europe's largest international employment agency with 25,000 employees and an annual turnover of 1 billion euros. A podcast about vision, courage, and perseverance. Humberto Tan takes you through eight episodes into the world of OTTO Work Force; with top managers, politicians, experts, and people from the shop floor.

Listen to the podcast

Thank you

25 Years of Respect, Trust, and Collaboration

OTTO Work Force has stood for respect, trust, and collaboration for 25 years. Thanks to the dedication and efforts of many, we have pushed boundaries and celebrated successes together. These contributions have not only made our mission possible but also unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who has been an important part of our story. Together, we look forward to a future filled with new opportunities and successes.

What is the 'magic ingredient' of the company that started in a holiday bungalow near Venray in early 2000? What is that intangible value, what is the OTTO-DNA? No one can quite put it into words. The photos and stories captured in our exclusive anniversary book speak more vividly.

25 Years of Respect, Trust, and Collaboration