Chris van Veelen

Data, Analytics and AI Leader | Data & AI Strategy | Digital Transformation | Business Orchestration & Automation Technologies | Nyenrode Executive MBA

The Randstad, Netherlands

About

Seasoned IT & data leader with extensive experience in multimodal transportation and logistics. Proven at shaping IT & data strategy, leading multi-year transformations (ERP, data platform), and operating hybrid IT landscapes that ensure continuity for operations. Strong track record of building high-performing teams, governing multi-vendor ecosystems, and translating business objectives into measurable IT & data outcomes. Board-level communicator and strategic partner.

Experience

  • Samskip (Full-time · 17 yrs 10 mos)
    • Head of Data & Analytics
      Feb 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

      Accountable for Group Data Strategy, enterprise analytics capability and cross-functional delivery that supports commercial, operations and finance stakeholders across the Samskip network. Lead a distributed team of data professionals and oversee external partners. Responsible for delivery governance, roadmap prioritization and budget oversight. Delivered an enterprise data platform, introduced data quality and governance frameworks, and initiated self-service analytics for business users. Sponsored cross-company digital programs, including real-time tracking for multimodal assets and containers, improving situational awareness for operational teams and enabling data-driven decisions. Regularly present program status and strategic proposals to executive leadership. Manage vendor relationships and performance.

    • Manager Digital Solutions
      Sep 2018 - Feb 2023 · 4 yrs 6 mos

      Built and led the Digital Solutions capability delivering BI, automation (RPA), data science pilots and integration solutions supporting global operations. Recruited and developed a multidisciplinary delivery team; set objectives, career paths and performance frameworks. Managed platform selection, supplier sourcing and vendor negotiation for BI and automation tools. Accountable for budget and supplier SLAs. Drove pilot-to-production lifecycle for automation and ML initiatives. Coordinated enterprise architecture decisions and integration workstreams across ERP and operational systems.

    • IT & Business Processes leadership
      Oct 2008 - Aug 2018 · 9 yrs 11 mos

      Consolidated leadership across IT, business processes and global application rollouts (SAP FI/CO and operations systems). Managed end-to-end implementations of core systems (including SAP FI/CO, FFWD system, and multiple WMS rollouts), ensuring continuity across regions during change windows. Led supplier-driven projects and integrations (EDI, tracking, legacy migrations). Introduced BI reporting and automation that reduced manual effort in finance and operations functions.

  • DHL Global Forwarding (4 yrs 5 mos)
    • Process Engineer - Logistics Competence Centre
      Apr 2008 - Sep 2008 · 6 mos

    • Teamleader Oceanfreight Import
      May 2004 - Mar 2008 · 3 yrs 11 mos

  • Logistic Coordinator at The Greenery
    Apr 2003 - Apr 2004 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Warehouse Supervisor at Mammoet
    Jul 2000 - Apr 2003 · 2 yrs 10 mos