Meet Frans

The split-up of Staples was a multi-year process. Plenty of time, therefore, to think carefully about his next step.  

Over lunch with Executive Search specialist Rob Steur, with whom Frans had worked for many years, he discussed what he would really like: setting up or building an HR department at a scale-up, or a company with a strong buy & build strategy. ''Over the past 20 years, I have had the opportunity to work for several large corporates, both listed and private equity-owned,'' he says. ''I have always had the opportunity to remodel existing houses, but never to build a house from scratch myself. A role where I get the freedom to be allowed to build an HR organisation myself would be a fitting next step.'' 

Rob saw a good match with a vacancy for Global HR Director at Barentz International, Global Life Sciences distributor in ingredients, with employees in 70 countries. After transitioning from family business to private equity, Barentz had grown rapidly in a short period of time, and was not done growing for the time being. The company had the characteristics of a scale-up, but - thanks to its strong growth - now the size of a multinational. Frans knew almost immediately that the job at Barentz was the best fit for him, despite having a number of different job offers.

It was nice to have the luxury to choose, to be able to follow my heart and go for what was really important to me. 

 Frans was now helped as a candidate, but has also been a client of Robert Walters for many years. ''Because I have worked with Rob and his colleagues for years filling both permanent and interim finance roles, Rob knows me well by now. We speak the same language,'' says Frans. ''Rob is an example of how to properly maintain your network effectively and how to invest in relationships. He keeps in close touch with his client's developments and needs and can therefore switch quickly and provide tailor-made solutions. This is not something that can be taken for granted. I hope Robert Walters manages to maintain this way of working, because good listening is immensely valuable.''