Building Trust, One Solution at a Time

Thomas Kipker, Vice President Sales, Germany

Known for his creativity and commercial leadership, Thomas Kipker has been part of the BENTEC journey since 2009.

He joined the company as a Product Manager at a pivotal moment. “That was also the time we developed our first Top Drive,” Thomas explains. “From day one, I worked closely on sales-focused product management, translating equipment features into real value for our customers.”

Since then, his journey has included landmark milestones from closing BENTEC’s first equipment sale into the U.S. in 2016, to opening new markets in Saudi Arabia, and ultimately stepping into his current role as Vice President Sales.

Turning complexity into clarity 

Today, Thomas and his team sit at the front line of customer engagement.

“Our role is to turn complex requirements into clear, best-in-class solutions,” Thomas explains. “That means clarification calls, technical presentations, internal alignment, contract negotiations and making sure our customers feel supported at every step.”

But for Thomas it’s not just about closing sales, it’s about building lasting relationships. “I enjoy the mix of people, cultures, and problem-solving,” he says. “I still learn something new every day from colleagues and customers. What really drives me is seeing ideas become reality in the field and performing the way we promised.”

A good day, he explains, is one spent close to customers. “Understanding what they’re trying to achieve, helping solve problems, and moving projects forward is what energises me. The variety, the different industries, the different perspectives. That’s what keeps my work exciting.”

Trust as a competitive advantage 

In Thomas’s view, trust remains the most important currency in the industry. “Customers care about trust, reliability, and solutions that fit their exact needs,” he says. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, especially when you’re delivering equipment globally, across different standards and operating conditions.”

He points to BENTEC’s ability to customise without compromising reliability as a defining strength. “Our core DNA is to deliver performance. That’s why customers keep coming back to us.”

Sales, he believes, is where that trust begins. A recent rig project in Japan stands out as a powerful example. “The customer needed a heavy-duty 3,000 hp rig and a light 1,000 hp rig, with fast rig-up, easy moves, local standards, and advanced earthquake requirements. Not an easy combination,” Thomas explains. “We worked through multiple design iterations and fine-tuned the concept to match their priorities. In the end, we delivered a tailored solution. And we did it as one team, fully aligned.”

For him, that’s what being a trusted partner truly means. “It’s about working as equals, listening, adapting to the customer’s reality, not just ours. And staying responsive, anytime, anywhere, until the job is done.”

A mindset for the future. 

For Thomas, BENTEC’s brand promise is a personal one. “Trusted Today. Transforming Tomorrow. isn’t just a tagline,” he says. “It means earning confidence through delivery and doing what we say we’ll do, staying curious, never getting comfortable, and constantly improving. For me, it’s about walking the talk.”

That mindset also shapes how he sees the future of the energy industry itself. Thomas believes the next chapter of energy will be defined by adaptability, not certainty. “Energy will always be needed. The mix will change, but the need won’t,” he explains. “For me, the one constant is change. As long as we embrace that and adjust, we’ll continue to have a strong role to play.”

It’s a perspective that reflects both BENTEC’s direction and Thomas’s own journey. Grounded in trust, driven by progress, and focused on building solutions that perform today while preparing for tomorrow. In an industry that is constantly evolving, that combination of reliability and transformation is what allows BENTEC and our people to keep moving forward with confidence.