Willem Valkenburg
Amsterdam
Summary
No nonsense leader in FMCG with a results-driven and collaborative approach, demonstrating strategic creative thinking, a compelling need for action and a track record of making substantial business impacts. Acknowledged for being analytical, making complex problems simple and building meaningful connections. Well experienced in global business development and innovation initiatives grounded in a deep understanding of customers/consumers. Passionate about people, learning new cultures, and continuous self-development.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Global Dairy Business Development Manager
FrieslandCampina
11.2022 - Current
- Drive business in a sustainable way by improving local dairy value chains in emerging countries
- Role: Country Lead for Vietnam, Philippines, Cote d'Ivoire, Pakistan where I led local sourcing implementation strategies and acting as the lead grant proposal
- Result: Introduced and finalized local sourcing strategy plans up to 2030 for 9 countries including a target setting roadmap in reducing carbon footprint (Sep 2023); closed a $5 million grant approval Bill & Melinda Gates foundation (Oct 2023)
Career Break
n/a
Medellin
06.2022 - 10.2022
- Learning Spanish & Voluntary work - Fundación Jardin de Amor
Global Business Accelerator
FrieslandCampina
04.2020 - 06.2022
- Led a pilot for a potential joint venture plant based portfolio (Valio, Finland)
- Result: invalidation of partnership based on in-store data (AH&Jumbo, NL)
- Build global plant based portfolio via own local brands
- Role: sourced and led the global commercial launch of Friesche Vlag barista
- Result: secured winning plant based dairy products by identifying and selecting external partners (manufacturing, co-development) and first plant based launch for FC in NL with "Friesche Vlag Barista".
Lead Business Accelerator
FrieslandCampina
11.2018 - 04.2020
- Validate value partnership with Tessa (scale-up Unilever)
- Result: business model was invalidated
- Develop & deliver a healthy business model "Schoolmilk"
- Role: Lead the Business Incubator team (3 people)
- Result: new implemented model, 1mln € savings/y, 50% growth volume liters/y, 1000% growth reach audience.
Business Innovation Manager
FrieslandCampina - Shanghai
Shanghai
05.2018 - 11.2018
- Find new business opportunities for Infant Formula & Toddler (IFT) Nutrition via first incubator of FC in China
- Founded “Mamasmile,” a free platform for pregnant women, implemented by brand Friso in China.
Digital & Innovation Marketeer
FrieslandCampina
01.2016 - 04.2018
- Drive business by building the multi-brand consumer platform “Eurosparen.”
- Coordinated numerous multi-cross campaigns and implemented a cashback tool.
- Result: growth from 800K to 1,2 million users, Saving >500K/y by succesfully implementing cashback tool.
Content Marketeer
FrieslandCampina
08.2014 - 12.2015
- Led content creation for the brand loyalty platform Eurosparen, designed new websites, and increased user engagement.
- Result: growth platform from 400K to >800K users, e-mail optins from 250K to 500K
Intern Brand Manager
Optimel Eat FrieslandCampina
01.2014 - 08.2014
Education
Master Marketing Management -
University of Groningen
07.2014
Bachelor Business Administration -
University of Groningen
08.2012
Minor Economics -
Koc University Istanbul (Turkey)
02.2012
Gymnasium: Economics & Society -
Stedelijk Gymnasium at Apeldoorn
08.2007
Skills
- Relationship Building
- Project Management
- Analytics
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Business Planning
- Business development and innovation
Extracurricular Activities Student
2013-2014 Chairman MARUG Master Team, Marketing Association University of Groningen 2012-2013 Chairman GSAVV Forward, GSAVV Forward, student football club (>400 members)
Certification
Google Analytics, Persuasion design expert - Buyerminds Academy, Career booster program - NIMA, Learn to grow - Astridge Estate, Influencer management - Schouten, Incubator program (Agile/lean/scrum) - Innoleaps
Affiliations
- Sports: Football (youth for a professional club and KNVB, high amateur teams), Crossfit, Tennis, Hiking, Snowboarding, Speed Cycling, Yoga.
- Self-development: Intrinsically motivated to become a better self through reading, meditation, workshops/retreats, and traveling.
- Stand up Comedy
- Voluntary work: Coach, Humanitas, coaching obese children on healthy activities
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Global Dairy Business Development Manager
FrieslandCampina
11.2022 - Current
Career Break
n/a
06.2022 - 10.2022
Global Business Accelerator
FrieslandCampina
04.2020 - 06.2022
Lead Business Accelerator
FrieslandCampina
11.2018 - 04.2020
Business Innovation Manager
FrieslandCampina - Shanghai
05.2018 - 11.2018
Digital & Innovation Marketeer
FrieslandCampina
01.2016 - 04.2018
Content Marketeer
FrieslandCampina
08.2014 - 12.2015
Intern Brand Manager
Optimel Eat FrieslandCampina
01.2014 - 08.2014
Master Marketing Management -
University of Groningen
Bachelor Business Administration -
University of Groningen
Minor Economics -
Koc University Istanbul (Turkey)
Gymnasium: Economics & Society -
Stedelijk Gymnasium at Apeldoorn
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