Made, North Brabant, Netherlands
With over 30 years of experience in ICT leadership, I have built teams, departments, and systems from the ground up across Europe, North America, and Asia. My work sits at the intersection of strategy and execution — defining the direction, removing the obstacles, and making sure the people around me have what they need to grow and deliver. People come first. Currently managing a team of 20, I create environments where professionals feel trusted, challenged, and supported. When people genuinely develop — in their craft and as individuals — the results follow naturally. On the technical side, my expertise runs deep: cloud architecture, cybersecurity, custom software development, and large-scale migrations. I have built Transportation Management Systems from scratch, integrated AI and EDI solutions into live operations, and led full transitions to Microsoft 365 and Azure — always anchored to what the business actually needs. Let's connect.
Accountable for ICT strategy and execution for the holding behind FPS and TOP — international freight forwarders focused on global import/export of general cargo in containers. Own the end-to-end technology landscape across multiple offices: infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software delivery that keep operations secure, efficient, and scalable. Set direction and built the platforms that power growth. Delivered new Transportation Management Systems for both FPS and TOP — engineered for speed, reliability, and measurable efficiency gains. For TOP, paired a greenfield TMS with an EDI capability in two months, enabling a major tender win and sustained performance at materially lower staffing levels than competitors. Embedded AI into the TMS to optimise day-to-day decision-making, and adopted Microsoft Copilot to streamline knowledge work across teams. Modernised the foundation: migrated from on‑prem to a multi‑SaaS architecture on Microsoft 365 and Azure; stood up a SOC to elevate security posture; and expanded physical operations with two new office floors, including facilities that support an open, people‑first culture. Opened the Antwerp office for FPS and later executed a seamless relocation with full ICT continuity. Built and trained the BHV (Emergency Response) team to strengthen safety readiness. Built what peers describe as “the best IT team in Rotterdam” — feedback echoed consistently across my network over four decades.
Independent vehicle to gain fresh, cross‑industry insight alongside a part‑time executive role — applying the same leadership and technical skills to help other organisations translate IT into practical results. Operate end‑to‑end: understand the business, simplify processes, and implement tooling that teams actually adopt. The goal is consistent: fewer manual steps, faster cycles, and more room for meaningful work — the smile from the customer is the real KPI. Focus areas include the Microsoft stack and adjacent platforms: professionalising customer engagement with Dynamics 365; establishing secure, governed collaboration with SharePoint and Teams; automating frontline workflows with PowerApps; and putting reliable data at the centre with Power BI. Execute cloud moves with minimal disruption, tune SQL Server for mission‑critical performance, and deliver secure self‑service portals that lift the client experience. Where needed, design and build tailored software (e.g., recycling and textile collection) with clear ROI. Advise on EDI governance and embed AI in day‑to‑day operations, including pragmatic Copilot adoption that raises productivity without adding complexity. The common thread is people‑first change: align stakeholders, communicate clearly, and land solutions that stick. From complex processes to simple solutions – with a smile
Brought in to lead the ICT function of a global logistics provider operating across North America, Europe, and Asia. Built a high-performing ICT organisation from a blank slate — defining strategy, attracting talent, and deploying a secure global network infrastructure connecting offices across three continents. Personally designed and developed RITOS, the company's proprietary Transportation Management System for complex bulk liquid logistics, writing the code and implementing it on Microsoft SQL Server. Deployed WAN optimisation and traffic shaping to ensure reliable network performance across international distances. Architected and implemented EDI integrations via Microsoft BizTalk and VoIP solutions to enable seamless data exchange with clients and suppliers worldwide. Led two full company relocations — datacentre, infrastructure, and 100% of workplaces — with zero incidents at go-live. Established cybersecurity and compliance frameworks that mitigated risk across all regions and secured business continuity at every level.
Deployed into complex, high-stakes client environments — from SMEs to high-profile law firms — as both technical authority and trusted advisor. Delivered across a broad range of Microsoft and Linux environments, taking full accountability for security architecture, infrastructure stability, and compliance in settings where confidentiality was non-negotiable. Managed the full security stack — Checkpoint FW-1, Trend Micro, Exchange, SQL Server, and Citrix — designing and implementing enterprise-grade backup, antivirus, and firewall solutions for environments where failure was simply not an option. Conceived and built a fully automated back-office platform integrating real-time product, stock, and pricing data from multiple distributors, synchronised directly with the client's website — eliminating manual processes and enabling the sales team to make optimal purchasing decisions instantly. Served as a strategic sounding board for clients on network security posture and IT governance, elevating their resilience well beyond standard SME practice.
Brought in post-acquisition to stabilise and steer mission-critical infrastructure through a period of organisational and technical upheaval. Set direction for an eight-person team while safeguarding client confidence in production environments where downtime was not an option. Defined and executed the transition strategy end-to-end — architecture and configuration design, controlled testing, and rigorous rollback planning — ensuring continuity at every stage. Acted as a strategic advisor to executive stakeholders, translating technical complexity into clear, board-ready decisions and maintaining momentum under pressure. Maintained service quality and SLA governance throughout, keeping both team performance and client outcomes on track.