Carl Messemaeckers van de Graaff

Global Head of QHSE, Risk & ESG

Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands

About

Executive Director @Unica | QHSE, Risk & ESG | Driving Integrity, Resilience & Sustainable Impact As an Executive Director with deep expertise in governance, risk, compliance (GRC), and ESG, I am committed to building resilient organizations that thrive on integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement. My career spans international environments where I’ve led high-performing teams, shaped strategic compliance frameworks, and embedded risk-aware thinking into core business operations. I bring a proactive and pragmatic approach to GRC—connecting the dots between operational detail and strategic oversight. Whether coordinating complex governance processes, conducting quality reviews of audit outcomes, or delivering impactful training and consultancy, I focus on enabling business success through smart, scalable compliance solutions with attention to human behaviour. Known for my ability to balance analytical depth with a helicopter view, I foster strong relationships across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders. I’m passionate about supporting the business, driving customer success, and cultivating a culture of excellence. A humble team player and lifelong learner, I embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate and elevate standards. My commitment to quality, professionalism, and ESG principles continues to guide my journey in making organizations safer, more ethical, and future-ready.

Experience

  • Directeur QHSE, Risk & ESG at Unica
    Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

  • Vanderlande (7 yrs 6 mos)
    • Global Head of Ethics, Risk & Compliance
      Jan 2021 - Sep 2025 · 4 yrs 9 mos

      Responsible for Risk Management, Compliance and Privacy

    • Executive Director Risk & Good Business
      Apr 2018 - Jan 2021 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      Responsible for Risk and Good Business (Compliance) and Secretary to the Supervisory Board

  • Part Time Program Director and Guest Lecturer at Nyenrode Business Universiteit
    May 2016 - Sep 2025 · 9 yrs 5 mos

    External Program Director en Lecturer voor o.a. Masterclass Advanced Project Management en Collegereeks Risk en Compliance

  • Independent Management Consultant at Sebastiaen Management Advisory
    May 2011 - Jul 2019 · 8 yrs 3 mos

    Advise leading project driven organisations to grow profitably, manage risk, reduce costs and/or transform their organisations. Goal is to deliver sustainable performance improvement. www.sebastiaen.org

  • Adviserend consultant at Mourik Industry
    Nov 2017 - Apr 2018 · 6 mos

    Opstellen van verbeterplan voor Mourik Services op gebied van Strategie, Mensen, Processen, Systemen en Kennis. Ontwerpen van uniforme manier van werken voor Sales, Projecten en Onderhoud