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Editor’s note: The Netherlands-American Chamber of Commerce Southeast, based in Atlanta, publishes a monthly interview spotlighting one of its members. In September, the organization caught up with Ihsan Surmeli, president & CEO of TMC USA South-East Inc. The interview has been reprinted with permission.
NACCSE: What is your business industry category or specialty?
Mr. Surmeli: We are a global engineering and technology consultancy, providing highly skilled technical experts to help our clients solve complex challenges in areas such as R&D, manufacturing, IT & digital, as well as software and hardware development. We serve a wide range of industries, including Automotive, Mobility, Aerospace & Defense, Finance/Fintech, Insurance, High-Tech, Life Sciences, and more.
How do you describe your job to people outside the industry?
We are TMC Group, a global leader in engineering and consulting with nearly 2,500 employees across 25 offices worldwide.
Who are your main competitors and what differentiates you from the competition?
Our primary competitors include European-based technology consulting firms, all of which have offices in the U.S., as well as U.S.-based staffing companies that serve the talent needs of their clients. However, unlike staffing companies, TMC operates under a completely different business model.
At TMC, we stand apart with our unique “Employeneurship” model, which empowers us to attract, develop, and retain top-tier experts in specialized technical fields. Through this approach, we provide technical and engineering consultancy services with highly skilled professionals.
How was the business started?
The business originated in Eindhoven, Netherlands, as part of a scientific project in collaboration with ASML and Philips Semiconductors, where TMC provided the necessary technical expertise. This foundation positions us as a technology consultancy with a strong scientific focus, specializing in high-end engineering services and delivering highly skilled expertise and significant value to our clients. I joined TMC 1.5 years ago, initially serving as VP of Sales in Toronto, Canada, before establishing our Atlanta office in 2023, where I’m currently building and expanding our team in the US. I recently relocated to the U.S. from Canada.
How many employees does the business have?
Globally, we employ over 2,500 individuals, with 70 employees in North America—25 in Canada and 45 in the U.S. We currently operate two entities in the US: TMC USA NE, located in New York and Miami (established in 2018), and TMC USA SE, based in Atlanta (established in 2023).
How did you end up in Atlanta?
TMC USA SE is strategically located in Atlanta to serve the entire Southeast region of the U.S. With easy global connectivity via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Georgia’s strong focus on advancing technology and innovation, the area’s rapidly growing infrastructure makes it an ideal base. Key target industries such as manufacturing, fintech, and life sciences are expanding quickly in the region. Additionally, Atlanta’s proximity to major European automotive manufacturers—Daimler, Volkswagen, BMW, and Volvo—based in neighboring states, positions it as a convenient hub for fostering business and maintaining close relationships with these clients.
What is your No. 1 business goal over the next year?
To collaborate with companies within the same ecosystem, helping them overcome technological challenges to reach their objectives while developing a mutually beneficial growth strategy for long-term success.
What is the best advice you have received regarding doing business with Americans/Dutch?
Think globally (or with a European perspective) while acting locally by adapting to the specific realities of the US market and its clients.
Any other personal information you would like to share e.g. hobbies, special interests, family etc…
I am married and have two daughters: Azra, who is 21 years old and studying at VU in Amsterdam, and Nehir, who is 17 and currently a senior in high school in Alpharetta, GA. I am a passionate advocate for animal rights, opposing animal cruelty, and I actively support environmental protection. Additionally, I follow a vegetarian diet.
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Contact Ihsan Surmeli – President & CEO of TMC USA South-East Inc. via email here.
LinkedIn: Ihsan Sürmeli | LinkedIn
Visit www.naccse.org to learn more about the Netherlands-American Chamber of Commerce Southeast.
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