‘Maracucho’ refers to my birthplace. I was born in Maracaibo as son of an (expat) Reservoir Engineer. Growing up in a tropical climate felt great and the move to the The Netherlands, my home country (late 60’s), made sure I could finish proper education.
After my school in The Hague I went in 1982 to Groningen to mature both in professional (Hanze Polytechnic) and in social (student life) domains. In 1987 I left for a backpack journey leading me through India, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia which infused my passion for travelling.
My first job was at Philips (TIS) where I started as a programmer and moved to a pre-sales function. After 2 years I had the opportunity to work for Shell as an IT consultant, close to my heart (I have crude oil running in my veins). See My Work Experience for more background on my career. The last 5 years of my career @IBM I considered India (Bangalore) as my 2nd home country, working with a great team to deliver various IT and Business services to Royal Dutch Shell.
I started my own Business “Maracucho” after a great Sabbatical period. Under the umbrella of “Maracucho” I have been involved in a couple of various chargeable initiatives. In March 2022 I joined the Beachclub DownUnder crew and focused on organising Business Events.
The Energy Transition and Digital Challenges triggered me to move back to a permanent position in December 2022 where I can make an impact.
I have started as Senior Director Client Lead Resources at Avanade; A proven partnership for the digital era by Accenture and Microsoft.
Next to walking the Camino I have been involved in non-profit initiatives. I joined the board of the X-Raychallenge in 2021. We raised money for an X-ray machine for the Lamin Health Center in The Gambia, where we can make ’the difference’. Together with my son Joost and friend Albert-Jan we participated in a classic Mercedes E300 Diesel (6 Cyl) and drove the ‘Paris-Dakar’ route from Voorburg to Banjul ; 9000 KM through Belgium, France, Spain, Morroco, West-Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal to The Gambia. We raised over € 200.000,- for the X-Ray machine.
I am a ‘romantic’ and love the Beach, India, ’the Camino del Norte’ and love to get inspired and relax by Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Pink Floyd, Pat Metheny and of course the North Sea Jazz Festival. Next to travelling I love cooking (BBQ) and to Ski, play Golf and most important Family Life.