Nils J. van der Zijl

General Manager | EAM

United Kingdom

About

As a proven technology leader with over 25 years of experience, I excel in building and empowering high-performing teams that foster strong C-suite relationships and consistently surpass business objectives. My leadership, characterised by a unique blend of empathy, strategic foresight, and entrepreneurial zeal, drives my passion for propelling businesses forward. I've spearheaded transformative projects that have delivered double-digit growth and cultivated a culture of innovation and resilience. My dedication extends to Green Tech Innovation, where I actively contribute to a sustainable future by integrating green technologies into everyday practices. My goal for achieving 100% energy self-sufficiency by 2030 is guided by practical steps, including the adoption of renewable energy sources and investment in sustainable technologies. In driving companies, I champion profit generation through sustainable practices, advocating for carbon neutrality, renewable energy use, sustainable sourcing, zero waste policies, circular economy principles, and the restoration of water resources. My work includes leading initiatives that have significantly reduced carbon footprints and enhanced environmental sustainability, demonstrating that long-term success is intertwined with positive environmental impact. I am also deeply committed to professional development, having mentored numerous individuals across different career stages. My approach focuses on identifying and nurturing potential, guiding mentees towards achieving their professional and personal goals through authentic leadership and strategic career planning. By merging these principles into my leadership philosophy, I aim to create lasting value for businesses while championing the principles of sustainability and innovation.

Experience

  • Vice President of Sales at Octave
    Apr 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

    Born from the spin-out of Infor EAM and enriched with the acquisition of ITUS Digital, Hexagon is consolidating its EAM, APM and Asset Lifecycle software capabilities into a dedicated, pure-play software company; with a singular focus on Asset Lifecycle Intelligence, anticipated to launch in 2026. As the market continues to consolidate, many vendors are retrofitting their offerings. Our new organisation however, is purpose-built to deliver real intelligence across the lifecycle of complex assets in a scalable, cloud-native, and sustainability-driven way. The icing on the cake? Hexagon’s AI capabilities; Alix isn't just GenAI, it's a secure, multilingual digital assistant purpose-built for EAM backed by 25 years of zero security incidents.

  • Non-Exec / Chief Strategy Officer / Boardmember at The Energy Group
    Dec 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

    Our vision is to be the market leading renewables supplier for innovative products to help reduce carbon footprint for anyone. This is why our underlying motto is ‘carbon reduction through innovation’ We strongly believe that innovation is the only way we can severely reduce our carbon footprint around the world. This is one reason why we are dedicated to partnering with new technologies and the market leaders with the most advanced technologies to make these accessible in the UK market. This is essential for hitting our Netzero targets that will eventually be enforced by governments around the world. Regardless of regulation we must collectively build a greener future for generations to come.

  • Business Mentor at REACH UK
    Oct 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 10 mos

    REACH UK is a real estate technology scale up program created by Second Century Ventures

  • NED at Microshare.io
    Oct 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 10 mos

    Microshare® creates data at scale that digitizes the real world, driving cost savings and improving safety, risk management and sustainability in commercial and public infrastructure of all kinds. Our EverSmart Space, Clean and Alert solutions are transforming entire industries with IoT sensors powered by our AI-driven Platform and Smart Building expertise.

  • NED at Electro Ventures
    Dec 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

    We provide tools for electric vehicle drivers to easily find public charge points, compare them and ensure they can easily start using any charge point. We also make the charging experience easier and more engaging by providing drivers tools and rewards for providing and engaging with feedback about charge point locations and their safety.