Francisco comes from Veracruz and has been part of the Hellmann family for three and a half years. He began his career at the Mexico City branch where he took on an international role supporting several countries across North and South America in implementing new work processes. Driven by his curiosity about different cultures and ways of working he eventually decided to take on a new challenge and moved with his wife to Hamburg permanently.
Today he works in Business Process Management Seafreight for Western Europe.
For Francisco almost everything was new, the city, the country, and the language. Still, he arrived with an open mind and a genuine eagerness to discover something different.

Hi Francisco, what motivated you to go to Hamburg?

Francisco Santiago: I have always been curious about how things are done in different cultures and regions of the world, especially in the maritime industry where every market is unique. That curiosity was one of the main reasons I wanted to move. I wanted to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and learn as much as possible. The idea of living in a country I knew very little about was exciting and felt like an adventure.

What do you miss most from home?

Francisco Santiago: What I miss the most is my dog. She is a beautiful black Chow Chow and stayed at home with my dad in Mexico. Other than that, not much. I have been able to find almost everything I need here, except for good mezcal. What also surprised me was how complicated streaming has become. Without my local IP address I realized the world is not as global as I had thought. Finding movies, series, or anime with English subtitles is difficult. Most are either dubbed in German or have only German subtitles. Streaming can become a struggle, and I honestly would not manage without VPNs.

What do you love most about living in Hamburg?

Francisco Santiago: I really enjoy the calm rhythm of the city. Hamburg has a quiet elegance that you can see in its architecture, the harbor, and the green spaces. It is a place where you can breathe, reflect, and still feel inspired. I especially appreciate the peacefulness of the city.

How does a perfect day off look for you in Hamburg?

Francisco Santiago: For me, a perfect day off is a cloudy one. It's the ideal weather for walking without the sun blazing down, even if most Germans would probably prefer sunshine. I especially enjoy strolling through the parks or the city with my wife. There is something very grounding about it. And nothing beats coming home early, getting comfortable indoors, and playing video games while listening to the rain outside the window. That is happiness for me.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! Is there anything else you would like to add?

Francisco Santiago: I am very grateful for this experience. Moving to Hamburg has pushed me out of my comfort zone in a very positive way. I have learned a lot both professionally and personally. I can even imagine staying here long term, although the German language is definitely a challenge. I have already started learning a little, and my plan for now is to make Hamburg my home for many years to come.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Francisco.

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