Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Seasoned, international corporate and public affairs executive with a legal background, strong business acumen and a proven track record advising C-suites in navigating complex global stakeholder environments. Intuitive, strategic communicator and calm, people-focused leader, skilled at getting to the essence of issues quickly and aligning diverse stakeholders behind clear choices. Experienced in shaping and implementing corporate and public affairs strategies that advance business priorities, the energy transition and licence-to-operate issues, translating complex technical and systems insights into clear, compelling narratives for policymakers, customers and partners. Curious, open-minded and driven by impact, with a collaborative, hands-on and results-oriented style that unlocks the full potential of individuals and teams. Over 25 years of experience, including: o Legal Counsel (NL and USA), ExxonMobil – 4 years; o Public Affairs (Brussels – maritime & energy), FEPORT, FTI Consulting, Hydrogen Europe – 10 years; o Corporate Affairs (USA, Netherlands, EMEA), FTI Consulting, ASML, Stork, Edelman – 12 years.
As EMEA Energy & Industrials Chair at Edelman, I drive the strategic and commercial positioning of our Energy Transition practice, focused on the energy (intense) industry, across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Sitting at the intersection of innovation, policy, and reputation, this role is all about shaping the future of energy and driving the energy transition through impactful communications.
As Global Lead for ASML's business lines business partners, member of the IC management team and Business Line DUV MT, I ran a team of business partners and worked with executive management to listen to, inform, motivate, enthuse and inspire employees and other internal stakeholders across the value chain to effectively work together and create the level of understanding, engagement and commitment needed for all to do the right thing in view of serving our customers and executing our business priorities - proudly together. In addition I supported the CEO and CTO with their internal communications.
*Senior Advisor Energy and Natural Resources, Houston Office, USA (Dec 2013-June 2017) Senior Advisor within FTI’s Strategic Communications, Energy and Natural Resources practice in Houston, Texas. Developing and delivering (crisis) communications, community engagement, corporate communications strategies and training to a broad range of clients in the energy and natural resources sector, incl. Lyondell Basell and BHP Billiton. *Hydrogen Europe, Secretary to the Board, Brussels (secondment 2010-2013) Formerly NEW-IG Industry Grouping, a leading European industry association partnering with the European Commission and the research community in the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) to accelerate the market introduction of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the energy and transport sectors. Led the day-to-day Brussels representation, with responsibility for governance, advising the Board and Chair, stakeholder relations, advocacy and acting as lead negotiator for the second FCH JU programme. *Brussels Office, Belgium – Senior Director Strategic Communications & regulatory affairs (May 2006 – May 2013) Client portfolio of ~1.2M Euro, managing a team of 10. Development and implementation of numerous communications strategies across different policy fields and jurisdictions (EU and Member State level), applying the full suite of strategic communications services in public affairs campaigns, M&A and crisis communications and media relations *Blueprint Partners – Senior Consultant Strategic Communications & regulatory affairs (May 2006-May 2008) Member Blueprint Partner’s management team, a strategic communications and public affairs startup. Member of merger transition team after takeover by FTI Consulting Inc in 2008. Team Leader Blueprint’s Industry Practice. Key member of the team for the Arcelor Mittal merger.