The Randstad, Netherlands
Leads sustainable energy and climate initiatives at the interface of private and public sector. Supports entrepreneurs and innovators. Looking for systemic changes and market improvements that make the world better and more sustainable, with roles focused on policy, finance, technology, communication and advocacy. Inspiring leader, with proven success in growing industry initiatives from the ground up and securing funding for them. Over 30 years of experience in strategy formulation, program management and project implementation, of which 10 years in an executive role. Analytical, strategic, outcome focused. Likes solving problems, can improvise, will rise to a challenge. Reliable, transparent, inclusive, approachable. Quick to trust others and to seek partnership. Loves to convene and connect people, analyse their different perspectives, and facilitate conversations. A confident communicator who feels himself at ease in informal settings as well as in formal, high-level meetings or in front of large audiences.
DFCD is a climate resilience fund, dedicated to supporting climate adaptation and mitigation projects which benefit vulnerable communities and landscapes. It is operated by a powerful consortium of FMO (Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank), CFM (Climate Fund Managers), SNV, a global development partner, and WWF Netherlands, a global nature conservation NGO. An important component of DFCD is the Origination Facility, responsible for identification and feasibility activities of the fund. It is managed by SNV and WWF. My role with DFDC is to expand funding for this facility, in order to expand the reach, impact and sustainability of the entire fund.
CCA’s Leadership Council is composed of high-level global advocates working to ensure that no one’s life is limited by how they cook. CCA’s Advisory Committee, a smaller group of Leadership Council members composed of leaders across private, public, and nonprofit sectors, provides strategic counsel to CCA and offers a diverse range of viewpoints critical to advancing partnerships, innovation, and impact in the clean cooking sector.
I led GOGLA, the global industry organization for the off-grid solar industry, representing producers, distributors and other industry stakeholders that provide electricity and light solutions to hundreds of millions of people that still lack access to modern forms of energy. By end 2023, this industry had reached over 561 million people, distributing over 50 million products per annum with a turnover of USD3.7 billion. I was the first Executive Director of the global association that represents this industry. I grew the organization from the ground up, to a diverse international team of 30 people across 3 continents and an annual budget of over USD 5m. Under my leadership GOGLA build robust platforms for industry engagement with government stakeholders in Africa and South Asia; organized the industry's leading events; developed market insights collection capabilities that are unique and indispensable for the industry; and set industry standards around doing business responsible and transparently. I GOGLA positioned itself as the indisputable voice for the off-grid solar industry in developing countries and developed partnerships with e.g. World Bank, Sustainable Energy for All, IRENA, IEA, bilateral donors and leading philanthropic foundations. Membership grew from 30 to over 200 organisations with consistently high member satisfaction scores.
As thematic expert, I was responsible for the supervision and monitoring of Dutch government support for renewable energy initiatives in developing countries. I had a specific focus on cooperation with private sector, including investment funds through IFC, FMO, GIZ and RVO; bilateral activities in Mozambique; and sustainable biomass production. I was responsible for activities with a combined budget of €27m.