1977 – Studied Applied Physics and Business Economics at the University of Groningen. PhD in analytical chemistry in the field of mass spectrometry. Made the transition to business by working for OC&C (now: Parthenon EY), strategy consulting and then went on to work at Galapagos as director of business development, a biotech company.

In 2013, he switched to private equity as a partner at Wagram Equity Partners. Since September 2016 part of the investment team of Berk Partners and co-founder / shareholder of the Berk Partners Growth Fund.