Gijs van den Elshout

Executive board | Tech leader | Strategic change

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

About

Experience

  • Executive board | Tech leader | Strategic change at Sopra Steria
    Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

    As ExCom member and Business Line Leader for Partner Solutions and Cyber Security, I am responsible for a combined organisation of approximately 550 FTE. I provide strategic direction, leadership and long-term vision across a broad portfolio of cyber security services and partner-led solutions. In addition, I act as Transformation Officer, responsible for translating group strategy and international initiatives into concrete execution within the Dutch entity and market. I also orchestrated and authored the Dutch strategy, ensuring a clear, executable direction aligned with global ambition, local market dynamics, governance, and operational realities. I was specifically appointed with the mandate to transform former Ordina's practice's into a fully integrated Sopra Steria organisation, including a fundamental shift in the commercial and delivery model. A key focus is the transition of the revenue mix from predominantly Time & Materials to scalable, project- and outcome-based delivery, strengthening margins, delivery maturity, and long-term client value. I provide direction and oversight to six leadership teams, each responsible for leading and scaling their organisations, with a strong focus on strategic alignment and execution. Alongside my executive responsibilities, I serve as a Board Member for the European Cyber Security division, contributing to strategic decision-making and the development of the European cyber security portfolio. Internally, I drive strategy, operating model design, and execution excellence. Externally, I represent the organisation at P1 / top-tier clients, acting as a trusted senior advisor on complex transformation and organisational challenges. With a strong background in Finance and Operations (COO), I bring a structured, value-driven approach to strategy, transformation, and scaling organisations in complex environments.

  • EMEA Cyber Security Consulting Leader & Global Head of Finance and Operations at Kudelski Security
    Mar 2022 - Feb 2025 · 3 yrs

    Established and co-led the global Cybersecurity advisory practice, contributing to revenue growth targets. Achieved remarkable 160% year-over-year revenue growth while maintaining robust margins from 2022 to 2023. Directed the strategic initiatives and global expansion efforts as operations and financial leader for Kudelski Security’s Advisory business (KS), a significant business unit of the cybersecurity innovator headquartered in Switzerland and the US. Executed a comprehensive strategy focusing on talent development, team dynamics, and expertise in five key knowledge domains. Restructured the EMEA advisory team from a contractor-based model to a cohesive unit of professionals across Europe, fostering collaboration with the Piracy and hardware (IoT) security teams. Assumed responsibility for the US advisory team and successfully integrated the Blockchain and Extended Services teams into the advisory practice. Cultivated and sustained strategic partnerships within our ecosystem, enhancing Kudelski Security's ability to deliver premium solutions to clients. Recognized by Forrester as a leading practice in the cybersecurity industry.

  • Head of Regulatory Transformation | Business Consulting Financial Services Advisory at EY
    Sep 2016 - Feb 2022 · 5 yrs 6 mos

    As Head of Regulatory Transformation Consulting within Financial Services, I was responsible for driving revenue growth and profitability for the EY Advisory practice in the Netherlands, while leading large-scale business and regulatory transformations across the financial sector. I combined P&L ownership with operational leadership, overseeing key performance levers including headcount planning, pricing strategies, and workforce allocation to ensure sustainable growth and execution against strategic objectives. I led numerous complex, international and multidisciplinary transformation programmes, spanning digital innovation, regulatory change, and operating model redesign. My work focused on the banking, investment management, and leasing sectors, delivering tailored, regulator-ready solutions that balanced compliance, efficiency, and long-term value creation. Through these engagements, I built extensive experience operating across diverse geographies and cultures, including the United States, Asia, and Europe, frequently working at the intersection of global strategy and local execution. My advisory leadership covered multiple functional perspectives, including COO, CRO, and CFO domains, enabling me to bridge regulatory requirements with operational, financial, and risk considerations at executive level. In parallel, I was selected as a Member of EY’s Partner Development Leadership Journey, reflecting my contribution to the firm’s leadership pipeline and long-term strategic ambitions.

  • KPMG Nederland (11 yrs)
    • Senior Manager Risk Consulting
      Aug 2007 - Aug 2016 · 9 yrs 1 mo

      Led large-scale and intricate operations, IT compliance, and risk management programs as a Senior Manager. Managed sizeable program teams of 15 or more professionals within complex multinational settings.

    • Advisor Information Risk Management | Transaction Services
      Jul 2007 - Aug 2007 · 2 mos

    • Junior Advisor
      Sep 2005 - Aug 2007 · 2 yrs

  • Member of the Board at Make it Happen Fund
    Jan 2010 - Jul 2016 · 6 yrs 7 mos

    The foundation enables development projects inside and outside The Netherlands with a community service character