Begum Demirtas joined the Green Energy sector as a Wind Turbine Technician for Vestas and now heads their team of Service Stock Keepers for Sweden. The Service Stock Keeping team support the teams on the wind turbines so that they can focus on the work needed by the customer. In this article Begum and four members of her team share their backgrounds, inspirations, and working life.
Thank you to Begum and Sophia Gullberg, Meja Larsen, Alice Printzell, and Ratchaneekorn (Pae) Dewar.
”As a team, we celebrate International Women’s Day and honour all women around the world, especially those in the green energy sector.”

An all Women Green Energy Stock Keeping Team

Begum Demirtas Team Leader, Service Stock Keepers – Sweden

Begum Demirtas was born in Turkey, spent some time in Sweden as a child and then returned to Sweden to study. She joined Vestas as a Wind Turbine Technician and was the first woman to join the all-male team at Vestas in Skåne. She is now the Team Leader for the Swedish Stock Keeper Team.

Moving from Wind Turbine Technician to Stock Keeper – Now Leading the Sweden Stock Keeper Team

Why did you decide to transition from wind turbine technician to service stock keeper team leader?
My career path has always evolved based on needs, but from day one, my goal was to grow within Vestas. The transition happened naturally as I took on more responsibilities and expanded my expertise. Even on the toughest days, I wake up excited to go to work because I truly enjoy what I do. While there have been challenges, I firmly believe that progress comes from perseverance, and seeing how my journey has developed over the past three years makes me incredibly proud.

Skills transfer

Which hard and soft skills did you take with you?
I bring a combination of skills from my wind Energy Project Management studies and the experience I have gained throughout my career. Academically, I developed analytical thinking, problem-solving, and project coordination skills, all of which are critical in my role today.

At the same time, my professional journey has sharpened my ability to adapt quickly, make strategic decisions, and stay resilient in high-pressure environments. My time as a technician provided me with hands-on technical knowledge, which allows me to better understand operational challenges and support my team effectively. Additionally, strong communication, leadership, and multitasking skills have played a key role in managing a high-performing and efficient team. Being able to bridge the gap between technical realities and operational demands has been invaluable in my leadership role.

Wind Turbine Green Energy sites

How often are you out on-site now? And where?
Not very often. However, I do visit sites occasionally, particularly when onboarding new stock keepers. I believe it’s essential for them to understand the technicians’ working conditions and workflow, so they can communicate efficiently and avoid unnecessary disruptions during critical tasks like climbing or maintenance. My main focus is on leadership, strategy, and operational efficiency, but I stay connected with field operations to ensure alignment between stock management and technical execution.

You know what it’s like to work in the field on a turbine. How does this help you in your current role and when training new team members?
Having worked in the field, I understand the challenges technicians face, the urgency of their needs, and the importance of timely and precise logistics. This experience has helped me shape our processes to be more efficient, technician-friendly, and aligned with real-world demands.

When training new team members, I emphasise the technical knowledge and operational awareness they need to succeed in their roles. If I hadn’t experienced the technician role firsthand, I would have had to learn these lessons the hard way over a much longer period. Instead, my previous roles have given me a broader perspective, allowing me to make informed decisions and lead my team effectively. I feel fortunate that my career at Vestas has progressed in the right direction, and I aim to pass on my knowledge to ensure my team makes a lasting impact across Northern Europe.

Integrating new team members

How do you quickly integrate a new member into the team?
We are currently expanding our team across Sweden, from the south to the north, and hiring the right people is crucial. While stock keeper positions are often seen as warehouse management roles, in reality they require a combination of technical understanding, problem-solving, multitasking, and strong communication skills.

To ensure we bring in the best talent, I personally oversee the selection process with great attention to detail. I believe that a high-performing team cannot be built by adding average people: it requires top talent that aligns with our standards and vision. In return, my team is highly committed, and their performance speaks for itself. The right people, in the right roles, create the best results. Dream team, dream work!

A successful green energy team

What do you think are the three key attributes to lead a successful, productive, and happy team?

Empowerment & Clear Expectations

A strong leader provides a clear vision and well-defined expectations, ensuring every team member understands their role and their impact. When people see the bigger picture, they take ownership and feel motivated.

Being a Hands-On and Example-Setting Leader

I strongly believe that a good leader must know the work inside and out. My team knows that whenever they need support, I am always ready to step in and help solve their problems. Understanding their tasks, their challenges, and what it takes to get the job done builds immediate trust.

From day one, they see that I know the job well, which makes it easier for them to trust me and follow my guidance. This also allows me to train them effectively and, in return, once they have fully learned their role, they approach their work with the same drive and commitment that I do. I consider myself lucky to have this level of insight, as it makes a huge difference in building a strong and motivated team.

Trust & Recognition

People perform at their best when they feel valued, trusted, and appreciated. Recognising achievements—both big and small—creates a positive work environment and fosters long-term commitment.

Summary

At the end of the day, successful leadership is about balancing strategy, adaptability, and a strong team culture. When the right people feel empowered and appreciated, they naturally strive for excellence.

Sophia Gullberg, Service Stock Keeper

Sophia Gullberg has a background in customer service, logistics, team leading and resource planning, and joined Vestas in April 2024.

Green energy sector

Why did you decide to work in the green energy sector?
It was not a choice in the beginning. I did not see this position and apply for it; I was headhunted for this role.
But I am so happy and thankful that I decided to follow my gut and take this position when I was offered it.
Today I’m proud of being a part of a solution that promotes clean energy, creates innovative technologies, and helps pave the way toward a more sustainable future for generations to come.
In fact, I’m so proud of working for Vestas that after only six months in this company I tattooed a wind turbine on my arm.

Skills transfer into green energy

What was your background before you became a stockkeeper?
Before becoming a stockkeeper, I had a background in customer service, logistics, team leading, and resource planning.

Which skills did you take with you from your previous work/studies?
From my previous work, I brought with me several key skills that have been essential in my current role.
I developed strong organisational skills, which help me manage inventory efficiently and ensure stock is always accurately accounted for.
My experience in customer service and logistics helped me hone my ability to communicate clearly and work well under pressure. Additionally, my background in team leading gave me a solid understanding of problem-solving, attention to detail, and time management. These skills have all played a crucial role in helping me succeed in stockkeeping and streamlining operations.

Positives

What is one of the best parts of your role?
One of the best parts of my role is the sense of accomplishment. That everything I do makes a difference. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but someday. I take pride in ensuring that stock levels are accurately managed, which helps keep the operation running smoothly and allows the team on the wind turbines to meet customer needs without delay. It’s rewarding to see how my attention to detail directly contributes to the overall success of the business. Additionally, I enjoy the variety in my day-to-day tasks and the opportunity to continuously improve processes, making the job both dynamic and fulfilling.

Meja Larsen, Service Stock Keeper

Before moving to Vestas, Meja Larsen worked as a Supply Chain and Logistics Manager.

Green Energy

Why did you decide to work in the green energy sector?
I care about sustainability and want to work in an industry that makes a real difference. When I got the chance to work in green energy, it felt like the perfect fit because I could combine my skills in logistics and supply chain with something meaningful.
At Vestas, I get to be part of a team that helps build a cleaner future. Every day, I see how small improvements in operations can lead to big positive changes for the environment, especially when my team leader, Begum Demirtas, is so passionate about all of this. That’s what keeps me motivated!

Skills transfer into green energy

What was your background before you became a stock keeper?
Before this role, I worked as a supply chain and logistics manager, as well as a major business account manager in industries like distribution, submarine optical systems, and energy.
All these roles helped me develop a strong problem-solving mindset, an eye for efficiency, and good communication skills. These are things I use every day in my job now.

Which skills did you take with you from your previous work/studies?
I’ve picked up a lot of useful skills along the way, but the key ones are:
Logistics & Organisation – Making sure things are in the right place at the right time.
Problem-Solving – Finding quick and practical solutions when things don’t go as planned.
Teamwork & Communication – Working with different people, from suppliers to managers, and keeping things clear.
Tech & Systems – I’m experienced with SAP, C5, Jira, and Microsoft Office etc, which helps me keep track of everything.
Planning & Prioritising – Managing tasks efficiently, so nothing falls through the cracks.
These skills help me stay on top of things, avoid mistakes, and keep the work flowing smoothly.

Challenging project

What has been your most challenging project so far?
One of the toughest but most rewarding projects I worked on was preparing for audit at one of our warehouses.
We had to make sure everything was up to EU and Swedish regulations. I took the lead on this, coordinating everything and ensuring we were fully prepared.
It was a lot of work, but in the end, we passed with great feedback. This project really tested my ability to stay organised, work under pressure, and solve problems quickly.

Positives of the role

What is one of the best parts of your role? (Can you give an example?)
One of the best parts of my job is solving problems and making things run more smoothly. I love it when I can fix an issue, improve a process, or make someone’s work easier.

For example, I recently worked with a recycling company on the used oil pickup process at our warehouse. There had been coordination issues since last year, so I took the initiative to streamline communication, update procedures, and ensure everything was properly set up. Now, pickups happen without confusion or delays.
It feels great to know that my work makes a difference in daily operations and helps the team work more efficiently.

Alice Printzell, Service Stock Keeper

Alice Printzell joined the team in February 2025 after working in the IT sector.

Green energy

Why did you decide to work in the green energy sector?
I decided to work in the green energy sector because I see it as a field with great future potential and where I want to contribute.

Skills transfer into green energy

What was your background before you became a stock keeper?
I graduated high school in 2023, where I studied Economics. After that I worked as an IT Consultant in the electricity trading field and then took the exciting step to join Vestas as a Service Stock Keeper.
Which skills did you take with you from your previous work/studies?
I think the most useful skills that I learned from my last job are how to navigate an ERP-system and the skill to troubleshoot in different scenarios

The role

What has been your most challenging project so far?
Since I’m so new in my role my biggest challenge so far has just been to learn all the different routines and adapt to the wide workflow that our team is facing.
What is one of the best parts of your role? (can you give an example)
The best part of this role and the reason I took this job is to be able to do something I really enjoy doing; troubleshooting and working everyday with solving different tasks and problems. To be able to do it at an international company that plays a crucial and big part in the world’s green transition is also something that drives me.

Ratchaneekorn (Pae) Dewar, Service Stock Keeper

Ratchaneekorn (Pae) Dewar has a master’s degree in marketing and experience in logistics. Pae joined Vestas in January 2025.

Green energy

Why did you choose to work in the green energy sector?
Sustainability has always been important to me. I believe that we all have a responsibility to take care of our planet, especially with the challenges of climate change and global warming. When I looked for a company to work for, I wanted to be part of something meaningful, not just a business focused on profits but one that actively makes a difference. That’s why I chose Vestas. Being part of a company that helps the world transition to greener energy makes me incredibly proud. Knowing that my work contributes to a more sustainable future gives me a strong sense of purpose.

Skills transfer into green energy

What was your background before becoming a Service Stock Keeper?
I graduated with a master’s degree in marketing in June 2024. During my studies, I worked part-time in logistics as a logistics worker and that is where my interest in the field really began. I enjoyed the fast-paced environment and problem-solving aspects of the job, which led me to pursue a career in logistics. Now, I’m proud to be working as a Service Stock Keeper at Vestas.

What skills did you bring to your role?

From my studies

I gained a strong foundation in sustainability and green energy through extensive reading of scientific papers and writing academic research on sustainability in marketing. This is where I cultivated my awareness of how businesses can integrate sustainable practices, which aligns perfectly with Vestas’s mission. Additionally, my studies helped me develop problem-solving, multitasking, and critical thinking skills, which I apply daily in my role.

From my work experience

I developed hands-on warehousing skills such as picking, packing, shipping, and inventory control, which have helped me transition smoothly into my role as a Stock Keeper.

Challenging project

What has been your most challenging project so far?
I just started my role as Service Stock Keeper three months ago. Starting a new role always comes with challenges, and for me, the biggest one was getting familiar with all the different warehouse systems, processes, and technical details in a short amount of time. At first, it felt overwhelming, but I saw it as an opportunity to grow. Every day, I learned something new, and with the support of my team, I became more confident. Looking back, I am proud of how much I have progressed in just a few months.

Positives of the role and working in green energy

What do you love most about your role?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is being able to support technicians so they can focus on their work in the turbine without worrying about all these things. I handle tasks like transferring materials, receiving deliveries, creating Delivery Notes, and managing inventory across multiple warehouses.
Another thing I truly enjoy is working in an international environment. At Vestas, I get to collaborate with people from different countries, all united by the same mission and purpose advancing renewable energy. The sense of teamwork and shared purpose makes every day exciting. 😊

Further reading about wind turbines and green energy

Successful working life as a Vestas wind turbine technician
Rachell Coffey discusses diversity in the renewable energy sector
Fascinating High Life of a Woman Wind Turbine Technician