"In the ESG+ department, we put our boots on and directly engage with people in the markets to make it work."
I have always worked internationally and in Finance. Before joining FMO, I was in commercial banking for 23 years. At the start I worked in a variety of roles, in areas such as working capital, project finance, and international payments in the Netherlands and abroad. In one of the projects, I collaborated with FMO. 2003 was a turning point as I joined the first-ever sustainability team in a bank. I like to call myself a first generation ESG professional. During my years as the lead of E&S risks initiatives, I learned that listening and putting yourself in the other person’s shoes creates ample room for understanding, collaboration, and teamwork. Especially when I was dealing with banks in emerging markets.
The main reason for me was to really make a difference. Now, I know lot of companies are saying this, but at FMO, it is part of our mandate. That's a big difference.
The main reason for me was to really make a difference. Now, I know lot of companies are saying this, but at FMO, it is part of our mandate. That's a big difference. We get our hands dirty and engage with people in the markets to make it work. Collectively we are an agent for change. That is what attracts me. The people, collaboration and the use of ESG are core parts of FMO’s business. That is why I enjoy going to work every day.
Instead of just capturing data to support disclosure and compliance, we're looking at how we can unlock intelligence to optimize operations, equip professionals with actionable insight, and attract capital. The challenge we face is that data isn't always available in emerging markets and we also need to contextualize it as data itself can sometimes be meaningless. FMO is a pioneer in ESG and we are scaling up our teams, skills and tools to ensure ESG is not just an operational resource but a strategic asset that enables sustainable and inclusive economic development within planetary boundaries.
The key to our ambition is collaborating and working together to be successful on the way forward. Working together internally and with our customers is our path to driving success.
I love to be in and around the water. One of the things I really enjoy doing in my spare time is paddling in the canals in Amsterdam. Why? Being active while you see the beautiful views from the water to the buildings gives me a boost of energy.
Back to: