Meet some of our people

Nationality: Dutch
Background: MSc Financial Economics & BSc Economics

Something about myself

Besides studying Finance and Economics, I have gained experience in FMCG, Digital Transformation, Data Analytics, and consulting through several extracurriculars. In my spare time I love to do all kinds of cardio sports (particularly running), play the piano, or just enjoy a night out with friends.

Personal Growth at Strategy&

I really enjoy the work at S& because it allows me to combine many of my interests and constantly feeds my curiosity and eagerness for self-development. The learning curve is very steep because right from the start I got many opportunities to take on large responsibilities. For example, by joining a weekly session with the CEO of one of the largest European banks or by presenting an analysis to a group of ~25 S&/PwC partners. Throughout all of this, I feel very supported because of the friendly and constructive environment in our office.

Nationality: Dutch 
Background: Financial Economics, Corporate Law

Contribution to solving society’s important problems

One summer I had the opportunity to be involved in a pro bono project. The client asked us to come up with a plastic waste recycling technology to contribute to the global ocean clean-up. During this 6 week project, we identified various ways for our client to implement a sustainable solution for the plastic waste problem in South East Asia.

Personal growth at Strategy&

I started at Strategy& fresh out of university. From my first day in the office, I have been part of fast-paced project teams. Reflecting on the last 2 years, I think that the feedback and coaching from team members have helped me to accelerate my professional and personal growth. This does not only involve developing analytical skills and business acumen but also improving my ‘soft’ skills, such as interacting with senior client counterparts and presenting valuable insights.

Nationality: Australian 
Background: Renewables, Growth and Innovation

Something about myself

Strategy consulting is my third career (after working as a lawyer and then a commercial adviser in the energy and infrastructure industries). While a commercial adviser, my Booz alumni boss opened my eyes to the ‘top down’ way of thinking and I joined Strategy& as an SA after my INSEAD MBA. Outside of work, my daughter is the center of my world. On the peripheries, I enjoy cooking and trying to live sustainably (which essentially means spending time terrorizing people on Marktplaats with my terrible Dutch).

Contribution to solving society’s important problems

I work with companies to make the energy transition a reality. This can be through growing their own business or entering the sector through M&A. 

Two recent examples are (1) a commercial due diligence helping an investor make the case for buying a solar PV company and (2) helping an oil and gas company prepare for a future of electric vehicles, car sharing and alternative fuels (biofuels, hydrogen, etc.) by considering how to build an organization to support the shift in Europe.

Nationality: Indian
Background: Telecom, Media and Technology

Personal growth at Strategy&

Before Strategy&, I had a four year stint with a management consulting firm in the US. Thus, joining Strategy& after my MBA, I did not expect a steep learning curve – and I am glad to say that I was so wrong! The complex and high-stakes nature of our projects is a challenge that greatly appeals to my need for continuous learning. In addition, being surrounded by colleagues of very high caliber and integrity has helped me to reflect on improvement opportunities, to further refine my professional skillsets, and to become a better version of myself.

Strategy& highlight

My Strategy& highlight was a four-month project in Saudi Arabia where we set-up a company from the ground up. The entire project was akin to setting up and leading a giant subsidiary company, from scratch in a foreign country. Working together with colleagues from Amsterdam, Paris, Dubai and Beirut on strategic topics like designing the three-year corporate strategy on one end of the spectrum, to operational topics like setting up the hiring processes on the other end – I can confidently say that it was the most rewarding experience of my career.

Nationality: Dutch
Background: Financial Services, Renewables

Something about myself

I joined Strategy& straight out of university, having studied Economics and International Relations. Even though I had already had a taster of what consulting was about during my time at De Kleine Consultant, it was an exciting new adventure. Fast forward 5 years (2 of which I spent in Barcelona doing my MBA), and the job is still as exciting and challenging as ever!

In my spare time I love doing everything that involves a board (surf-, snow-, wake-) or food (cooking, eating).

Contribution to solving society’s important problems

On first sight it may seem like banks and energy companies have nothing in common. On closer inspection, however, you discover that both are currently experiencing the most fundamental disruption in the history of their industries. FinTechs challenge banks at every step of their value chain, while energy companies are forced to rapidly reshape their business models to accommodate the shift towards renewables. At Strategy&, I am in a unique position to help clients solve their most important problems by being a driver of change and innovation on a daily basis.

Nationality: German
Background: Economics, Finance and Climate Change

Personal growth at Strategy&

I joined Strategy& straight from university, so there was a lot for me to learn. From the first day onwards, the fast pace of our work has exposed me to a variety of different tasks/ projects that have launched an incredibly steep learning curve. I was taught how to tackle business questions in a hypothesis driven way and distill key insights from quantitative analyses. Next to developing a core consulting toolkit, working on soft skills such as effective communication is a continuous process supported by every project manager, team member & mentor.

Strategy& highlight

Travelling and working in an international environment have always been two of my favorite things, so the projects I have enjoyed the most were projects abroad. For example, I had the opportunity to work on a digitalization project for a Greek bank in Athens. It was a unique experience, from a content and especially from a way-of-working perspective. Throughout the project we were working in fully integrated teams with the client and developed an innovative digital growth strategy together.

Nationality: Polish
Background: Financial services, Private Banking, Growth, Digitization

Something about myself

In my previous career in banking, I realized that to keep me motivated and energized, I need continuous change and challenge. I joined Strategy& after my MBA hoping that no two engagements will ever be the same and I was not disappointed. The work we do keeps you on your toes and constantly pushes your intellectual boundaries.

I’m also madly in love with the Netherlands. After moving around for a few years, it’s so nice to have a place which makes you feel at home!

Contribution to solving society’s important problems

I help banks transform into future proof business models. More then ever, the financial industry faces a risk of disruption from new market players. The time for change is now. Our clients need to rethink the way they do business and generate income in a more digital, data-driven environment with low interest rates and ever increasing regulation.

In my projects, I helped banks build customer-centric propositions with omni-channel delivery and efficient and automated back-end processes. Being able to shape the industry’s future is incredibly rewarding.

Nationality: Dutch
Background: Chemistry, Management, Financial services

Contribution to solving society’s important problems

I have modelled the possible CO₂-emission impact of reduction strategies in the Dutch health care system needed to reach climate goals. Our work was presented to board members in the sector and led to a nice thought-provoking article.

I have also supported a big governmental organization with their IT-transformation. Seeing our hard work getting appraised across political parties in the Dutch parliament was truly special.

Strategy& highlight

One of the moments I found really special has to do with the relationship you sometimes build with a client. Our client was so incredibly happy and thankful for the work we did. To thank us, the client organized a thank you ceremony for our team! The program director thanked each member of the team individually with a speech and we all got a small gift.

Nationality: Dutch
Background: Aerospace Engineering

Something about myself

I’ve always loved solving puzzles. That’s why I like the analytical nature of our work so much: being able to challenge myself, solve ‘puzzles’ and think conceptually gives me a lot of energy and motivates me. I’m interested in learning new things and like diving into a different topic every time.

Outside of work, I like to spend my time outdoors: running, swimming, hiking and scuba diving are my ways to unwind and challenge myself on a physical level.

Personal growth at Strategy&

Coming from an engineering background, there was much to learn, starting from my first day as an associate. I’ve learned to leverage my strong analytical skills, and have become an all-round advisor by continually expanding my soft skills – which regularly takes me outside my comfort zone!

Strategy& has helped me accelerate my learning by enabling me to complete an MBA at INSEAD, which was an excellent way to build an even stronger foundation for my future career.

Nationality: American
Background: Organization transformation, cost improvement and capability development across industries, incl.: consumer and retail, technology, life sciences, manufacturing and aerospace and defense

Something about myself

I am a citizen of the world, having been raised across the world as a young child. I find myself equally at home in my country (the USA), or in the Netherlands (the country where I live), or India (the country of my ethnic origin), or almost anywhere else. I believe in “work hard and play hard” and in life balance. That’s helped me have fun and do great work with teams and clients, and also have the support of my incredible wife of 21+ years (Meredith), our children and my entire family.

Contribution to solving society’s important problems

I am passionate about what I do, and I am truly grateful for the privilege I have to work with teams all over to truly help clients and beneficially impact the lives of thousands of people all over the world – many of whom I will never meet.

The best part is that I get to work together with people in teams and have the support and scale of the huge and deeply capable PwC Network behind me. I know that together we can literally solve any problem a client throws at us. Most of all, our values are real for us – our firm is guided at its core from the value of building trust in society by solving important problems. That helps me sleep well at night.

Nationality: Turkish
Background: Economics & Climate Practice Lead, specialized in competition economics, regulation and climate economics

Contribution to solving society’s important problems

The Economics & Climate Practice uses economic theory to address societal questions.

Competition, regulation and market design: we conduct economic analysis to help clients comply with competition laws and regulation. We help policy makers organize markets so that they deliver socially optimal results.

Climate: we help policy makers shape climate policy; we help companies reduce their environmental footprint.

Strategy& highlight

I am very proud of the work that my team and I carry out on climate and environmental issues. We have advised the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate on the Dutch carbon tax and the future of the hydrogen infrastructure. We also published a though leadership document proposing a solution to the Nitrogen problem in the Netherlands.

Nationality: Dutch
Background: Medicine

Personal growth at Strategy&

Switching from medicine to consulting was a big jump for me; feeling totally uncomfortable, but also heavily supported by the team around me. Within no time I learned how to analyze big data sets, perform interviews, extract insights, and translate this into visually appealing documents. Extensive feedback and trainings supported my. At some point you realize: every expert was a beginner once. More importantly, I learned what my core strengths are and how to build upon these. I strongly value our development focus on people’s strengths.

Contribution to solving society’s important problems

Healthcare faces one extremely complex challenge: how to improve quality of care, while lowering costs? We help healthcare insurers, hospitals, and mental and elderly care providers tackle this issue. By focusing on appropriate care and building digital hospitals, we lower costs significantly. The results of our project work reshape healthcare; this forms key input for national policies. These type of projects make me feel I am still a medical doctor that takes care of patients; in the role of a consultant, I am a doctor of our healthcare system.

Nationallity: Dutch
Background: Chemistry (Energy & Sustainability), Chemical Engineering

Something about myself

Ballroom dancing is what I enjoy most in my spare time. I train with a fixed partner for competitions, and gladly join social dance evenings and group lessons when possible. Before settling in Amsterdam I moved from Zwolle to Enschede and Bologna. I mostly focused my studies on sustainability and renewable energy but especially enjoyed my half year stay in Italy where I explored the world of international law, economics and exquisite food.

Personal growth at Strategy&

As a chemistry student I was amazed by the fast pace at which my colleagues taught me the necessary business concepts. Besides, they guided me in picking up professional skills such as getting my messages across through PowerPoint, effectively model in Excel and interviewing knowledgeable and overly talkative experts. Considering I mostly worked from home during my first year, I am grateful for the amount of skill I could still obtain through on the job learning and trainings.

Nationality: French
Background: Private equity deals support and value creation in portfolio companies; focus on industrial products and energy

Contribution to solving society’s important problems

The manufacturing sector in Europe has been impacted by globalization in the last 2 decades. As a result, I really enjoy supporting mid-size companies improve, deliver value, and grow as it impacts the economy overall, innovation strategies, and ultimately job creation to impact positively society.

Some recent project examples include supporting a PE improve commercial excellence, and operations capabilities across 10+ of their portfolio companies in the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Italy amongst other places.

Strategy& highlight

One of my project highlights is a global transformation for a cement company where I went to 20+ locations (US, Australia, Colombia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Argentina, etc.) for over 4 months, always with the core team incl. the client. This taught me a lot about cultural differences and about developing lifetime relationships with clients by working side by side.

One of my office based highlights is undoubtedly the Amsterdam ski trip where the tight-knit office culture is every year celebrated and reinforced.

Nationality: Dutch
Background: International Politics

Something about myself

In the beginning of 2019, I started working for Strategy&, quite an unusual step for a graduated political scientist with only experience in the diplomatic and non-profit sector. Luckily, I enjoy it a lot and I did not feel one second of regret!

Outside of work, I love to wander the beautiful streets of Amsterdam for a coffee/glass of wine and to enjoy a nice home-cooked Indonesian meal. Kickboxing keeps me fit during the week, in the weekends I go for a run along the Amstel.

Contribution to solving society’s important problems

I have a passion for the public sector and luckily I already had the opportunity to support several clients in the (semi) public sector.

For example, I supported the Dutch Ministry of Education in a large evaluation of the quality and funding of our higher education system. This evaluation was requested by the Dutch Parliament and was directed at the Minister. I still think it’s quite amazing that my work has an impact on the way we will fund our higher education in the future. I am very proud to have been part of this process.