Board of Directors, AmCham
2022
2017
Supervisory Board, Fonds Gehandicaptensport
2013
Board member, Stichting Machiavelli
2013
Board member, Florence Wenst
2001
Founder / Senior Partner, Public Matters
1999
Founder / chair / honorary member, BVPA (Professional public affairs association)
1998
Head of public affairs, Albert Heijn – Ahold NL
1995
Senior consultant, Burson-Marsteller (The Hague-Washington)
1992
Personal assistant, House of Representatives member
1988
Public Administration, Leiden University & London School of Economics (including work experience at Chamber of Commerce in New York and at Shell Rotterdam, public affairs dept.)
Senior Partner / Founder
As all-round advisor in public affairs, lobbying, and stakeholder engagement, I serve as a trusted sounding board for entrepreneurs, businesses, and advocacy organizations. I am often involved at critical moments when fundamental decisions with a significant impact on business & personal reputations need to be made quickly. In this role, I support national and international clients across various sectors. I also give lectures, training, and workshops.
Personal
Since founding Public Matters in 2001, I have seen the firm evolve into a team of specialized all-round advisors: experts in advocacy within a niche field while maintaining broad sectoral expertise. I strive to embody that profile myself. You can wake me up for an engaging conversation about managing complex reputation challenges, a discussion on the public affairs profession, multi-stakeholder negotiations, or international trade policy. I also enjoy engaging in discussions during lectures on national and international decision-making and policy influence.
Beyond my day-to-day work, I consider it my responsibility to share my knowledge and expertise in service of the public interest. Additionally, I find challenge and enjoyment in various water sports, including sailing.
Public matters