Dhyana Van Der Pols
Fashion & Lifestyle Leader | Luxury, Apparel & Sports | Business Growth & Transformation | Supply Chain, Sourcing & Product Strategy | Digital & Circular Innovation | E-Com, Retail & B2B Expansion
Rotterdam
Summary
Visionary and results-driven executive with 20+ years of leadership experience in global luxury, apparel, lifestyle, and sports industry. Deep expertise in building and scaling wholesale channels across Europe, North America, EMEA and APAC. Adept at forging strategic retail and distributor partnerships, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering sustainable commercial growth. Recognized for entrepreneurial execution, deep buyer & supplier networks, and transforming growth-stage brands through agile, margin-driven expansion. Hands-on leader with cross-functional experience across design, product, sourcing, supply chain, sales & marketing, ESG, finance, and digital acceleration. A passionate operator with an entrepreneurial mindset, known for blending strategy with sharp execution.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
6
6
Languages
Work History
Executive Advisor Global ESG Transformation
INFOR Nexus LLC
01.2024 - Current
- Guide Global Luxury, Apparel & Sports Companies (revenue >€350M) in end-to-end digital supply chain management.
- Advising worldwide Apparel & Sports brands in ESG compliance ensuring their operations match regulatory frameworks.
- Strategic sourcing solutions through data-driven ESG frameworks and digital passport integration.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex industry challenges with strategic recommendations.
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
Global PE Operating Partner M&A Apparel Industry
GO GLOBAL RETAIL LLC
01.2019 - Current
- Led Due Diligence, Deal sourcing, and Go-To-Market strategies across EMEA and APAC.
- Oversaw acquisitions: Modcloth ($120M), Janie & Jack ($150M), Hatch ($38M), and Brums Milano (€35M).
- Post-deal integration: managed sourcing strategy, vendor consolidation, cost optimization and growth acceleration.
- Delivered cross-functional business improvements in digital supply chain, performance marketing, and international retail scaling.
- Private equity brand investment platform focused on fashion, retail and lifestyle.
Chief Strategy Officer & COO
GAUGE81
2023 - 2025
- Luxury Couture Womenswear
- Led financial and operational turnaround towards profitable growth.
- Restructured the global supply chain for enhanced intake margin and go-to-market speed.
- Ebitda performance improvement from 3% to 15%
- Fostered a high-performance work environment by setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback on individual performance metrics.
- Managed corporate risk by assessing potential threats to business operations and implementing proactive mitigation measures for long-term sustainability.
- Formulated branding initiatives that positioned the company as an industry leader with distinct competitive advantages over its peers in the marketplace.
- Secured strategic partnerships with marketplaces & celebrity collaborations, expanding company''s reach and enhancing brand reputation within the industry.
- Identified new business opportunities through extensive market research, increasing company''s product portfolio and customer base.
- Implemented change management initiatives during organizational restructuring, ensuring smooth transition and minimum disruption to ongoing operations.
CEO /Advisory Board Member
FILLING PIECES B.V.
2020 - 2023
- Streetwear & Luxury Footwear
- Scaled the brand globally, growing topline by €10M while improving operating margin to 74%.
- Drove product profitability across Footwear and Ready-to-Wear, overseeing supplier strategy and D2C.
- Engineered international collaborations with artists and athletes, bridging product innovation with culture.
- Initiated eco-conscious sourcing and 3D material development.
Head of Textile Innovation & Manufacturing
WFSGI – WORLD FEDERATION OF THE SPORTING GOODS INDUSTRY
01.2014 - 01.2022
- Chaired the WFSGI Manufacturing Committee, collaborating with global leaders such as Nike, Puma, Adidas, and others to exchange sourcing and supply chain intelligence, driving efficiency and alignment across the sector.
- Led the Textile Innovation Department, overseeing R&D efforts and technological developments for the world’s largest sporting brands.
- Coordinated updates and strategic insights on innovation in fibers, yarns, recycled materials, and textile manufacturing technologies.
- Partnered closely with Adidas on the development of new high-performance running footwear and initiatives utilizing fully recycled plastics.
- Speaker at WFSGI global conventions, advocating for sustainable manufacturing practices and cross-brand innovation.
- Global Industry Association for Sporting Goods Brands
COO Technical Workwear & PPE
TRICORP B.V.
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Delivered special projects for HAAS F1 team, and managed cross-functional teams (Design, Buying, Operations).
- Oversaw sourcing strategy across EU, China, Bangladesh and Pakistan for scalable production.
- Shifted production to made-to-order, implemented ISO and sustainability protocols.
- Led creation of carbon-neutral product lines using DPP, LCA, and CSR frameworks.
- Guided protective apparel innovation: flame retardant gear, high-vis, stretch materials, and bionic protectors.
- Leading European workwear brand with technical apparel focus.
Business Improvement Executive Apparel Industry
BERKELEY RESEARCH GROUP LLC (BRG)
01.2019 - 01.2020
- GUESS (USA/EMEA): Delivered $80M in combined savings through assortment optimization, sourcing strategy, DC & logistics redesign, and SKU rationalization.
- CARHARTT Workwear (USA/APAC/EMEA): Developed new PPE product lines, segmented B2B channels, initiated private label tender operations and enabled scalable supply chain across geographies.
- Supported CXOs of Luxury & Apparel brands in strategic transformation, digital acceleration, and compliance planning.
- Business transformation advisor for global brands in technical workwear, luxury and sportswear.
Founder & CEO
NASH INTERNATIONAL B.V.
01.2002 - 08.2019
- Developed global sustainable sourcing standards (UN SDGs) and led adoption in leading factories.
- Advised over 100 brands in vendor allocation, sustainable fiber strategy, and digital material integration.
- Founder of SaaS platform for digital apparel creation and sourcing automation.
- Consulting firm delivering operational and sourcing strategy to global fashion, sport and technical apparel brands.
Chief Operating Officer
HAVEP B.V., KONINKLIJKE VAN PUIJENBROEK
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Directed full operations for three factories and 300+ FTEs.
- Led development of flame-retardant, aramid and high-vis product ranges under EN and ISO certifications.
- Secured €40M government paramedic tender through fully recycled, flame-retardant, and sustainable fabric innovation.
- Introduced QA tools globally; improved margin by 6% and transitioned to made-to-order manufacturing.
- Historic producer of workwear and technical protective apparel, including paramedic, firefighting, and safety gear.
- Turnover €40M
Director Global Product Development
G-STAR RAW C.V.
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Reduced design-to-shelf cycle from 40 weeks to 4 weeks via digitalization and 3D prototyping.
- Consolidated international development centers, saving €26M through unified sourcing and intelligence.
- Created sustainable fabric libraries, reduced waste, and achieved €3M savings through assortment rationalization.
- Embedded eco-sourcing and celebrity collaboration models to enhance brand positioning and speed to market.
- Innovative global leader in premium denim and casualwear.
- Turnover €500M
Senior Business Consultant – International Transformation Projects
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS
01.2002 - 01.2017
- Led sourcing transformation and industrial development projects in Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Macedonia, and Latin America.
- Supported creation of export growth platforms, FDI hubs, and CSR remediation programs in emerging textile economies.
- Delivered over $50M+ in export growth through vendor development and strategic repositioning of regional supply bases.
- Coached 2500 garment manufacturers on the ground in 38 nations
Director of Purchase & Overseas Production
VILENZO N.V. – UNITED FASHION MAKERS
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Oversaw production in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Mauritius, and Madagascar across five owned plants.
- Managed factory operations, cost controls, ISO certification programs, and critical path planning.
- Largest Dutch apparel production company for menswear, denim, and kidswear.
- Turnover €400M
Brand & Merchandise Manager
IC COMPANYS A/S (INWEAR/MATINIQUE)
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Transitioned from wholesale to direct retail across EU markets.
- Directed brand positioning, merchandising strategy, and product lifecycle planning for cross-category growth.
- A-list Scandinavian brand group.
- Turnover €78M
Education
M&A Executive -
Columbia Business School
USA06.2022
Master of Science - Strategic Management and Economics
University of Amsterdam
01.1995
Master of Arts - Fashion and Textile Design
Gerrit Rietveld Academy of Fine arts
Amsterdam01.1994
Skills
Global Vendor & Supply chain management
P&L, Strategy & Operations
B2B, B2C, E-com & last-mile, Marketplaces
Strategic Buying & Outsourcing
Risk Mitigation & Analysis
Budgeting & Forecasting
International Market Expansion
Range Planning & Merch Alignment
Trade Show & Buyer Relations
Digital Fashion Technology & E2E
Inventory, Sell thru & Portfolio Management
Sustainability, Due Diligence, Business Process Improvement, Performance Improvement
Team Leadership & Coaching
Strategic Solution Development Distribution & Logistics
Commercial negotiations and contracts
Cross functional Leadership
Interests
Motorcycling, Jewellery Design & Creation, HIT sports, Art
Affiliations
- WFSGI World Federation of Sporting Goods Industry- Head of Textile Manufacturing & Innovation since 2014
- DTB Dialog Textile Bekleidung Munich, network group of C-suite executives in fashion retail. Consultant & Business Coach.
- TMO/AMFI, Vocational education fashion industry. Coordinator production & sourcing.
- KSA Kurt Salmon Associates, Affiliate for report contents. Business consulting
- IAF, International Apparel Federation. Lecturer & international Summit presentations
- Modint, Dutch trade association for fashion textile industry. Consultant & Company Coaching
Section name
Global E-com, DTC & Wholesale Strategy/ Sales Forecasting & Margin Management/ Retailer & Agent networking/ Go to Market Planning/ Digital Wholesale/ Product Innovation/ Technical Sourcing/ Supplier Strategy/ Protective Apparel/ Compliance & ESG/ Global Operations/ Cost Avoidance/ Brand Collaborations
Software
Centric PLM
SAP
M3
Clo 3D
Rhino
Timeline
Executive Advisor Global ESG Transformation
INFOR Nexus LLC
01.2024 - Current
Global PE Operating Partner M&A Apparel Industry
GO GLOBAL RETAIL LLC
01.2019 - Current
COO Technical Workwear & PPE
TRICORP B.V.
01.2019 - 01.2021
Business Improvement Executive Apparel Industry
BERKELEY RESEARCH GROUP LLC (BRG)
01.2019 - 01.2020
Chief Operating Officer
HAVEP B.V., KONINKLIJKE VAN PUIJENBROEK
01.2017 - 01.2019
Head of Textile Innovation & Manufacturing
WFSGI – WORLD FEDERATION OF THE SPORTING GOODS INDUSTRY
01.2014 - 01.2022
Director Global Product Development
G-STAR RAW C.V.
01.2014 - 01.2017
Founder & CEO
NASH INTERNATIONAL B.V.
01.2002 - 08.2019
Senior Business Consultant – International Transformation Projects
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS
01.2002 - 01.2017
Director of Purchase & Overseas Production
VILENZO N.V. – UNITED FASHION MAKERS
01.1999 - 01.2002
Brand & Merchandise Manager
IC COMPANYS A/S (INWEAR/MATINIQUE)
01.1997 - 01.1999
Master of Science - Strategic Management and Economics
University of Amsterdam
Master of Arts - Fashion and Textile Design
Gerrit Rietveld Academy of Fine arts
Chief Strategy Officer & COO
GAUGE81
2023 - 2025
CEO /Advisory Board Member
FILLING PIECES B.V.
2020 - 2023
M&A Executive -
Columbia Business School