Experience with
Financial management; General management; Process improvement; Risk management; Interim management; Creating structure; Client relations; Growth and expansion; CAPEX investments; AI solutions; Renewable energy
What shaped Frank?
Frank began his career as a part-time controller at Buhrmann while studying in Amsterdam. After graduating, he worked as a financial controller and later as a plant controller in the east of the Netherlands. A pivotal period in his career was the bankruptcy of Drent Goebel in 2009, where he gained valuable insights into the dynamics between various parties and their respective interests.
Following this experience, Frank transitioned to interim work at Yacht, where he completed various projects and gained extensive knowledge across a range of clients. In 2014, he made the move from finance into general management, spending over three years in the packaging machinery trading industry. Here, his ability to maintain direct client relationships and resolve complex cases proved invaluable, as the business grew significantly and needed to make substantial process improvements.
In 2017, Frank joined a distillery as interim CFO, drawing on his earlier experiences to develop sound solutions to the financial challenges it faced. After three years, the most pressing issues had been resolved and the company had reached calmer waters.
In 2020, Frank joined CFO Netwerk, where alongside interim assignments he also explored investment opportunities in companies he believed in. He became involved with a company developing AI solutions for the medical sector in Amsterdam, and with an initiative to build a hydrogen plant. In addition, he supports various businesses on specific challenges by identifying root causes and delivering targeted solutions.
Pragmatic Solutions for Financial Challenges
In the role of interim CFO, it is essential not only to identify problems, but also to implement effective solutions. The CFOs of CFO Netwerk are frequently engaged during periods of financial uncertainty or transition, where swift action and strategic thinking are critical. The problem is usually recognized, but finding a clear path to a solution is often the real challenge. The ability to conduct in-depth analyses, restructure financial frameworks, and optimize processes helps businesses get back on track.
Equally important is taking ownership of operational tasks and working closely with various departments to ensure a holistic approach. By combining financial expertise with pragmatic solutions, we help companies not only to survive, but to grow and thrive in challenging times.
Frank applies a clear and structured approach to every assignment. One of the first priorities is typically improving cash flow. Through a thorough analysis of the current financial situation, bottlenecks can be identified and addressed. This may involve exploring new financing options, renegotiating commercial arrangements, and managing working capital more efficiently. The goal is to strengthen the company’s liquidity, ensuring sufficient resources are available to cover day-to-day operational costs and fund strategic investments. Alongside cash flow management, building a robust financial structure forms the foundation for sustainable growth. This includes implementing strong internal controls, optimizing reporting processes, and ensuring transparency in financial decision-making.
Through this approach, Frank helps companies not only to restore financial stability, but also to achieve strategic objectives and capitalize on new growth opportunities. His ability to act quickly and decisively, combined with deep financial expertise and a pragmatic mindset, makes Frank a valuable partner during times of change and challenge.
Character
Frank is known for his ability to create structure and maintain oversight of potential risks — both essential to establishing control within an organization. He inspires and encourages people to think beyond immediate constraints and focus on possibilities, helping businesses achieve sustainable growth. Frank is a hands-on professional who immerses himself in the business and looks beyond the financial figures. He does not hesitate to take on operational responsibilities when circumstances demand it.
My publications
Prevent Liquidity Problems by Acting Now
Why thinking ahead makes the difference between surviving and thrivingIn entrepreneurship, one thing is certain: the future is uncertain. Economies move in waves, markets shift, customers adjust their expectations and external factors — from geopolitics to...
