Can you briefly summarize your professional background/career to date.

I started my career in 1994 at one of the Big 4. In 2004, after completing my training as a registered accountant (the Dutch equivalent of a CPA), I made the switch to Joanknecht. I have always worked in the assurance practice (statutory and group audits, other assurance and assurance-related engagements). In addition, I have been affiliated with Nyenrode University part-time since 2005 as a lecturer in financial accounting (Dutch GAAP and IFRS). In recent years, I have increasingly focused on sustainability reporting and assurance. Earlier this year, I also completed an executive master's program in this field. With our ESG team at Joanknecht, we are now preparing our clients for the introduction of the European obligation for companies to prepare and publish a sustainability report from 2025 (CSRD). Together with two other Dutch PrimeGlobal members, we are working on the development of an ESG assurance approach.

As you step into your role as Chair at PrimeGlobal, what is your vision for the company's future, and what are the key goals you aim to achieve during your tenure?

PrimeGlobal is a strong organisation that has traditionally added a lot of value to the practice of its members. The merger in 2011 was a good move, as it created a good foundation of committed members and a good staff. However, the governance structure was not ideal, with far too many voluntary directors who were too much involved in operational matters. I am still happy that we took the step in 2018 to adjust that structure. With the recruitment of Steve Heathcote in 2019, we were able to really bring the newly conceived structure to life; since then, PrimeGlobal has been staff-led and member-driven. With the launch of MyPrimeGlobal, more than a year ago, we have increased the added value for our members even further.

The fact that we are on the right track is also evident from the high member satisfaction that has been shown in the survey in recent years and from the many awards that we have won.

It is now important to build further on this foundation and I would like to contribute to that in the coming years. Our strategy has worked well so far but is in need of an update to ensure PrimeGlobal continues to add value to its members in the future. I look forward to helping to lead that process, in which member input is essential.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our industry today, and how do you plan to guide members through them?

There are several challenges in our industry that will keep us busy in the coming years. To name a few: the changing playing field since private equity set its sights on our industry, the developments in the field of AI (with many opportunities but also threats) and of course the increasing attention for and obligations with regard to sustainability. Furthermore, many of our members will still have to deal with a lack of well-qualified and motivated staff and potential successors.

PrimeGlobal cannot solve all of these challenges, but together we are stronger. By combining our knowledge, experiences and strengths, we can help each other overcome these challenges and seize the opportunities: Today, Tomorrow, Together!

How do your previous experiences in leadership roles prepare you for the challenges and opportunities as PrimeGlobal Chair?

I have held various leadership and supervisory roles in my career, but what I believe best suits me for this role at this time is my deep understanding of PrimeGlobal’s governance structure, my extensive network within PrimeGlobal and my many years of experience in the industry.

How do you plan to engage with our key stakeholders, including members to ensure a cohesive and forward-thinking strategy?

I will be attending many conferences, online events, Regional Council meetings and other member consultations in the coming period. I will mainly listen and ask questions to understand what the members in the various regions are concerned about and what they expect from PrimeGlobal. I will also have regular contact with the members of the management team and other PrimeGlobal staff and I will support the management team in contacts with other stakeholders when required.

Of course, we must not forget that we are a staff led organisation. Steve Heathcote, our CEO, and the other members of the management team are and will remain the first point of contact and the face of PrimeGlobal; my role is primarily to provide oversight with the board and to be a sounding board for the management team.

What inspired you to take on the role of Chairman here, and what excites you the most about this role?

As mentioned, I was closely involved in changing PrimeGlobal's governance structure, professionalizing the staff and formulating the 2025 strategy. I am now the last remaining board member from that period. I therefore see it as an important task to transfer that knowledge.

I would also like to contribute to the next step, the 2030 strategy, before I hand over the baton to the next generation of board members.

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your free time? Any hobbies or interests that help you recharge?

Most PrimeGlobal members (at least those who regularly attend conferences) will know that I am an avid runner. Running helps me to stay fit and to switch off. I really enjoy a long run in nature, which is fortunately available in abundance around where I live.

I also enjoy live music (I regularly visit concerts and festivals), walking and reading.

Is there a particular book, quote, or mentor that has significantly influenced your leadership style?

I have learned a lot during my career from many different experienced colleagues and teachers and from my clients. I must honestly admit that I am not really a “management book reader”. But lately I have been reading a lot about sustainability. And in that area there are two books that I can heartily recommend to everyone: Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth and Net Positive by Paul Polman and Andrew Winston. Inspiring books that make you think and that convinced me that it is possible to achieve a more sustainable and fairer society, even if it often feels like swimming against the tide.