![](https://assets.weforum.org/article/image/J5Kp_7wHcCEj71rAWBpJzbrEwK-0yl3GGaRhZQLBVck.jpg)
Studies in Medical Biology, University of Utrecht; studies in Business Admin., Erasmus University. 1987-98, with Gist-Brocades, including: Divisional Director, Marketing and Sales; Member, Executive Committee. With DSM: 1998-99, Business Group Director, Food Specialities; 2000, Member, Managing Board of Directors; since 2007, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Managing Board. Member of the Supervisory Board: De Nederlandsche Bank (Dutch Central Bank); (Non-Executive Director) Unilever N.V.; Member, CEO Council, Chinese Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; Climate Leader Worldbank Group and Chair of the High Level Leadership Forum on Competitiveness and Carbon Pricing, convened by the Worldbank Group.