WHO I AM
I am a Dutch born New Zealand dairy farmer with extensive international business experience. I have held senior managerial positions and chaired Boards within a diverse range of industries, including agri-business.
I purchased a dairy farm in Southland in 2006 choosing to become a Fonterra shareholder then. Purchasing this farm has been a life-time wish since my wife Josien and I visited New Zealand twice in the 1970’s.
I became a New Zealand permanent resident in 2006, after growing up, being educated and having gained most of my business experience in Europe. I have travelled extensively; as an exchange student I finished my senior year in High School in the USA, taking the opportunity to travel the length and width of the country. Visiting most of South East Asia, Southern America, and parts of Africa since has enabled me to see and – more importantly – feel, sense and experience much of what we call ‘developing and emerging’ countries today: countries that will account for increasing business opportunities for New Zealand business in the years to come.
My 17 years’ working experience with Wessanen, Koopmans and BP Nutrition have given me exposure to many aspects of the international agri-business and taught me the art of “managing at a distance”: I was responsible for Finance and Control, managed an international IT department, led sales and marketing organizations in nine European countries, introduced a pan-European consumer brand strategy for pet foods, and was heavily involved in Merger & Acquisition projects.
Several Board memberships in the subsequent 15 years have helped me to develop the necessary skills and expertise in that area.
