Team size: 25

What are the most significant cases and transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

VolkerWessels is a leading international construction company that operates according to a ‘think global, act local’ principle. VolkerWessels is active in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, North America and Germany and has over 130 local operating companies. VolkerWessels plays a key role in society with projects and services that contribute sustainably to the living environment. We build on living, working and mobility. Examples of our most significant recent cases and transactions are, Wonderwoods Utrecht, Valley Amsterdam, Brainport Industry Campus Eindhoven, Edge Basisweg Amsterdam, several DC’s for BlackRock,Danone and SIG Benelux, Y Towers Amsterdam, transformation Schieoevers Delft, Sonate Spuikwartier, ASML and NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam (BinnenDok).

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

To maintain durable activity, we strive to stimulate a healthy and exceptional culture so employees can continue to deliver operational excellence. A combination of remote and physical working provided us with a new but welcome change and more flexibility. In short, we thrived. The team proved to be both resilient and innovative in finding ways to make it work. My role as head of the department is now more strategic and advisory to the board of directors. At the onset of the pandemic, quick decision-making was needed. We advised the board on all relevant subjects and are now able to take a more strategic approach to contract management. As a department, we have achieved and proven our added value to the business.

What will be the main focus for the company in the next 12 months and how do you intend to assist with this?

The focus for our company in the next 12 months is to have a diversified portfolio in our home markets. To remain a market leader, we need to optimise our proposition specifically towards profitable niches, so we will focus on growing new activities. We will focus on further margin improvement through operational excellence, digitalisation and innovation, client centric business model, risk management and governance. VolkerWessels will also undertake a wide-ranging contract management training initiative. I have been involved in the development of this strategy and intend to contribute through setting up the training initiative and advising the board. We also intend to focus on developing and upgrading new skills.