Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER | Business Transformation & Global Scale-up | Agri & Food I build the commercial engines that drive international growth. With 30 years of experience at the intersection of Life Sciences and AgTech, I specialize in taking organizations through high-stakes transitions—whether it’s a commercial turnaround, a post-merger integration, or scaling an ambitious mid-cap company into a global player. I don’t just "manage" sales; I architect systems that make growth predictable and profitable. My approach combines a sharp boardroom vision with a "boots on the ground" execution style. Core Value I Deliver: * Strategic Turnarounds: I have a proven record of returning distressed business units to profitability (e.g., +15% revenue growth and $1.5M cost reduction in the US). * Commercial Architecture: I design scalable sales structures and data-driven strategies, such as the 'Customer-Crop-Product' matrix, to ensure radical market focus. * M&A & Integration: I bridge the gap between acquisition and synergy, ensuring that international mergers (USA, Brazil, China) deliver the promised commercial value. * EBITDA Focus: Full P&L responsibility with a sharp eye on margin improvement and operational efficiency. Leadership Style: I lead from the front. My leadership philosophy is influenced by my years as a National Honor Division Rugby Referee: I bring calm, clinical decision-making to high-pressure situations. I am a "referee" in the business sense—breaking deadlocks between departments, enforcing discipline in the process, and ensuring the team plays to win. Let’s Connect: If your organization is facing a growth ceiling, an integration challenge, or needs a steady hand to lead a commercial transformation, let’s talk.
Stichting Topsport Rugby Haarlem manages and negotiates contracted coaches, players and real estate.
Transforming commercial capabilities to accelerate autonomous growth within the European agricultural and food sectors.
Developing and executing the global commercial and strategic roadmap. Integrated M&A activities into the commercial roadmap, focusing on long-term value creation and market alignment.
* Delivered a turnaround with 15% revenue growth to $18M, $1.5M cost reductions, and productivity improvements, restoring profitability. * Lead and directed management team, overseeing all company operations (sales, supply chain, R&D, operations) including capital expenditure projects * P&L responsible, overseeing 60 HC and two manfucaturing sites. Member of the global leadership team and M&A committee * Developed and implemented business plan and strategy; identified and exploited customer - crop - solution matrix, creating commercial focus and revenue growth.
* Led 25% revenue growth by implementing a new commercial strategy and customer policy, increasing turnover from €22M to €28M and achieving 25% ROS * Defined global commercial strategy. Structured international sales organisation on 4 continents. Drafted MYP covering growth targets, gross-margin developments and R&D themes * Responsible for the global accounts and license contracts to secure strategic business relationships
* Drove international expansion of Priva’s export network, establishing operations in Mexico and China and scaling offices in Canada and the U.S., growing the division to €37.5M. * New business development - Sales - CRM - Distribution Strategy - Horticulture - Living & Working Environments
Introduction of mobile data communication in the SME market in the Netherlands