Experience

Roland has been chief executive for two global companies in the past 10 years. He started his career in marketing and sales for a global multinational in fast moving consumer goods based in the Netherlands, and worked and lived in Indonesia and Bangladesh.

In 1986 he moved to a French wine and spirits multinational as Managing Director for its Dutch operation and later became responsible for their sales and marketing in Southern Europe. In 1992 he relocated to Japan where he became Vice President for Asia Pacific, and in 1997 he returned to Europe and joined the Executive Board in Paris as Vice President Asia/ Americas.

In 1999 he became chief executive of a global wines and spirits start up company, combining the sales divisions of three joint venture partners. In 2004 he joined a global premium wine and spirits company, based in London as Chief Executive, focusing on strategy, organisational design, leadership and talent.

In late 2009 he took a sabbatical and completed a MA in Social Anthropology, specialising in Chinese Society and Culture, and relocated to Melbourne in 2010. He currently has a portfolio of non executive directorships and advisory positions with a range of companies in the consumer goods sectors in Australia, the USA and Europe.

He has been highly regarded over the years for his people management skills, spotting and nurturing talent and his relaxed and approachable style. He brings these talents to his mentoring, working with clients to align people and business strategies to achieve results.

He likes rugby and enjoys cooking and going out with his wife. His two grown-up daughters are based in different parts of the world and at the start of their respective careers.

 

Business qualifications and business experience (selected)

• Masters of Arts, Social Anthropology, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, 2010
  
• Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School, 1995
  
• Bachelor in Business Administration, University of Houston, 1972
  
• Diploma, Nijenrode Business University, Netherlands, 1970
  
• Professional Development Certificate in Evidence Based Executive
  
• Coaching, Institute of Coaching and Consulting Psychology, pending
  
• Non Executive Director, Taylors Wines Pty Ltd, Australia
  
• Non Executive Director, Havelock Europa PLC, UK
  
• Chief Executive, William Grant & Sons Ltd, UK
  
• Chief Executive, Maxxium Worldwide BV, the Netherlands
  
• Vice President/Executive Board Director, Remy Cointreau SA, France
  
• Sales & Marketing Director, Unilever, Bangladesh
  

Selected client organisations

Clients include: Roberto Cavalli Spa, Roust, WhistlePig LLC

Registrations, Memberships and Affiliations

• Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
  
• Member, Institute of Directors New Zealand