Travis Chu Huynh Nhut Thien - Swine Genetics & Farms Manager
Travis joined De Heus at the end of 2021 when the company acquired Masan MeatLife’s (MML) animal feed business. At that time, he was serving as Purchasing Manager at MML, responsible for sourcing raw materials across the Feed, Farm, and Food divisions. By mid-2023, he took on a new and pivotal role as Swine Genetics & Farms Manager, overseeing one of De Heus’s critical livestock production areas. Since then, Travis has found great fulfillment in this function — a role where his strategic thinking, practical mindset, and people leadership come together.
Swine Genetics & Farms Manager
Shaped by mentorship and the market
Travis began his career in 2013 after graduating in International Business from Foreign Trade University. His first position — as a raw material purchasing staff at Proconco — felt instinctively right. With his father having worked at the same company years earlier, Travis benefitted from the mentorship of seasoned professionals who once guided his father. Their support helped him quickly build technical skills and professional confidence.
Though unfamiliar with De Heus prior to the merger, his first impression was one of respect. He was struck by the company’s bold ambition in Vietnam — its swift rise and the strategic acquisition of MML’s Feed division demonstrated a clear commitment to long-term growth and leadership in the market. That vision motivated him to stay and grow with De Heus.
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Empowered to take ownership
What stands out most for Travis is De Heus’s entrepreneurial culture. Employees are empowered to act — given responsibility, decision-making authority, and room to take initiative. This trust accelerates both personal and professional development.
De Heus encourages us to act, decide and grow. That trust has shaped my own development and continues to inspire me.
Achievements built on learning and leadership
With nearly 15 years of experience in the industry, Travis takes pride in two defining aspects of his journey:
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The ability to learn fast and adapt
Despite not having an academic background in animal husbandry, he has succeeded in managing one of De Heus’s core production segments. His drive to self-learn and close technical knowledge gaps has been key. -
Building effective, high-performing teams
What started as a group of individual contributors has evolved into a cohesive unit that works collaboratively toward shared goals. This transformation, he says, is one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.
World-class Workplace
We are extremely proud that De Heus was awarded the World-class Workplace label for 2024-2025. At De Heus you work in an environment where the employee is central.
Advice for the Next Generation
“Be humble and stay curious. Start from the smallest tasks and take on the hard ones — those are the best places to grow. Even failure teaches,” concludes Travis. At De Heus, Travis continues to lead with purpose — helping build a strong foundation for responsible and sustainable livestock production in Vietnam and beyond.
