Walter Klaus’ 40-Year Journey at LDC 99
Walter Klaus reflects on his journey from junior assistant to Port Execution Regional Manager, over four decades at LDC in Argentina – a story of commitment, professional growth and passion for a job that has constantly challenged him.
How did you join LDC, and what do you remember from that first day, 40 years ago?
I was working as a junior assistant at a grain exporting company that was going through a rough patch. My boss encouraged me to send out résumés, and one of them reached a company next door to LDC. By chance, LDC’s manager heard about my search and called me in.
I arrived at Rosario office aged 22, as part of a small team of around 12 people. I had very little experience and everything was new to me, but I was eager to learn.
I was supposed to start on a Monday, but they called me in earlier because they were overwhelmed with work. That was my real first day: walking all over Rosario, running errands and delivering documents.
You started as a junior assistant and are now a regional head. What milestones marked that evolution?
A few months in, I had the opportunity to transfer to the area in charge of maritime operations in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, including ports and waterways. I had some prior experience with vessel-related tasks, so I accepted. I started as an assistant to the department head and, shortly after, took over the role.
LDC supported my growth from the start. The company encouraged me to study English at night and my boss personally tracked my progress – even reviewing my exams! That level of trust was pivotal.
At age 25, I was appointed general proxy – a role that involved signing checks, contracts and documents on behalf of the company. It was a huge recognition – one of the proudest moments of my career – and a professional turning point.
A snapshot of teamwork and shared moments from Rosario office in the late 1980s.
“Every step, no matter how small, can lead to something bigger. You may not see the full path at first, but with commitment and curiosity, you can go far.”
If you had to choose one moment that represents LDC’s culture, what would it be?
For sure it would be the construction of General Lagos plant, in central Argentina, next to Paraná and Salado rivers. I was involved from day one, scouting potential locations with my manager until we found the current site. It was a greenfield project that demanded full commitment – even on weekends.
The period was intense but very rewarding. That collective commitment and “hands-on” approach, for me, reflects LDC’s spirit: teamwork, hard work and long-term vision.
How was the transition to a more regional role? What challenges and lessons came with that change?
In 2013, I was promoted to coordinate the regional execution operations in Argentina. With this change, I went from focusing on a single terminal – General Lagos – to coordinating operations at several sites simultaneously: General Lagos, Timbúes, Bahía Blanca and other active ports.
The biggest challenge was broadening my perspective: from solving issues in one specific location to strategic coordination with a more comprehensive view, across diverse facilities.
Technology has also transformed how we work. I used to be on site daily, but now I stay connected remotely with teams and stakeholders across locations. Even with fewer trips, I remain fully engaged and responsive.
What hasn’t changed is the need to always be alert and agile: vessels arrive at any time, technical or documentation issues can arise, and quick, informed decisions must be made.
How would you describe a typical workday for you?
In one word: “dynamic”, because our work involves constant monitoring of vessel schedules, hold inspections and document flows.
Unexpected issues are part of the job – a loading plan that doesn’t match, a document that didn’t arrive on time, a vessel that needs rescheduling in the middle of the night… It’s not routine work, and that makes it both challenging and motivating. It keeps you sharp, proactive and always thinking ahead.
Looking back, what kept you at LDC over four decades?
I’ve always felt it’s a company where I could grow. From the beginning, I found great teams of colleagues I enjoyed working with, and leaders who trusted me. And every challenge came with a real opportunity to advance.
LDC has always offered me opportunities to learn and keep moving forward. Over time, that gives you confidence and shows you that your efforts have purpose. That long-term commitment gave me confidence and made all the difference.
Stay open to learning and changes. Every step, no matter how small it may seem, can lead to something bigger. Take every opportunity as a new experience and chance to learn.”
What advice do you wish you had received when you started, and that you would give to younger generations joining or developing at LDC today?
Every new generation brings a different energy and approach to work. The newest and youngest members of the team, for example, are digitally fluent, quick to adapt and eager to collaborate – I see them asking questions, proposing ideas and getting involved early. The blend of experience and new perspectives is powerful. It keeps the company evolving and keeps all of us learning.
And that would be my message. Stay open to learning and changes. Every step, no matter how small it may seem, can lead to something bigger. Take every opportunity as a new experience and chance to learn. You may not see the full path at first, but with commitment and curiosity, you can go far by growing with each new challenge. I saw many young people who started at the plant level and are now thriving in international roles, and also today as part of LDC’s Competence Center, where young people are taking on key roles with real impact.
LDC is constantly evolving, and everyone in it must evolve with it. Those who embrace learning and adaptability will find real opportunities to grow.
A little more about Walter
Walter lives in Rosario with his wife Laura, whom he married in 1990. He has two children: Julieta, 33, who also lives in Rosario, and Facundo, 30, currently living in Australia.
His hobbies include fly fishing (especially in Neuquén, in southern Patagonia), motorsports and traveling around Argentina. His favorite place is Potrero de Garay, a mountainous rural area in Córdoba province, where his family has deep roots.
Disclaimer: These images are historical and shared for commemorative purposes only. They are not intended to identify or represent any individual specifically. If you have any concerns regarding its use, please contact us via email to [email protected] and we will address them promptly.
Aviso legal: Estas imágenes tienen carácter histórico y se publican únicamente con fines conmemorativos. No pretenden identificar ni representar a ninguna persona en particular. Si tiene alguna inquietud respecto a su uso, por favor contáctenos al correo electrónico [email protected] y la retiraremos de inmediato.