Jan Willem van der Kolk

Support international tech companies to explore Rotterdam, set up operations in the NL & scale into Europe-FDI

The Randstad, Netherlands

About

Experienced professional with focus and passion for international trade. Demonstrated long working history in multiple industries in Taiwan, Cambodia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Rotterdam Partners is the official foreign direct investment agency of the Rotterdam region. Rotterdam Partners International Trade and Investment assists foreign companies with establishing and expanding their operations in Rotterdam and beyond. Feel free to contact me at any time: [email protected] +31 6 1170 2706 https://en.rotterdampartners.nl/invest-rotterdam/

Experience

  • Business Manager Innovation | High Tech - Smart Manufacturing at Rotterdam Partners
    2018 - Present · 8 yrs 6 mos

    I facilitate foreign investments in the High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM) sector, collaborating with the NFIA to drive innovation in Rotterdam. My role includes building strategic partnerships, providing sector expertise, managing projects to position Rotterdam as a hub for technological innovation, and supporting the region's economic development through smart manufacturing.

  • Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) (Den Haag)
    • International Business Advisor: China | Japan | Korea | Taiwan
      2014 - 2018 · 4 yrs

      The Netherlands Enterprise Agency is a government agency which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. Supports entrepreneurs, NGOs, knowledge institutes and organisations. In my role as an International Business Advisor at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), I specialize in fostering and strengthening business relations between the Netherlands and key Asian markets, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. My responsibilities include: *Providing strategic advice and support to Dutch businesses seeking to enter or expand in these markets. *Facilitating international trade missions and business matchmaking events. *Coordinating with governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance bilateral economic cooperation. *Conducting market research and analysis to identify opportunities for Dutch enterprises. *Promoting sustainable business practices and innovation through cross-border collaborations. My work has contributed to significant growth in international partnerships and economic development, helping Dutch companies succeed in the competitive global marketplace.

    • Project Advisor: Starters International Business (SIB)
      2014 - 2017 · 3 yrs

  • Senior University Lecturer (8hrs weekly) at EuroCollege University of Applied Sciences
    2014 - 2017 · 3 yrs

    In addition to my full-time position at RVO, I dedicate one day a week as a Senior Lecturer at EuroCollege Rotterdam and Amsterdam, imparting practical industry knowledge and skills to the next generation of business leaders. EuroCollege Rotterdam: *Teaching Strategic Management, International Trade, and Sales-Marketing, providing HBO students with a comprehensive understanding of these critical business areas. EuroCollege Amsterdam: *Covering Business Economics, Account Management, and Intercultural Communication, equipping students with the essential skills needed to thrive in diverse and dynamic business environments. This dual role allows me to bridge the gap between academia and industry, bringing real-world insights to the classroom and fostering a new generation of innovative and strategic thinkers.

  • Project leader: Trade census at The HEINEKEN Company
    Aug 2013 - Jan 2014 · 6 mos

    Trade census project: all mayor alcohol selling points in de market were identified and analysed. Based on this marked information, new strategic plans for future were made.

  • Project Manager at Republic M!
    2012 - Jul 2013 · 1 yr 7 mos