Guido Verheijden, Director

I prefer to work with clients and to come up with solutions that fit their risk profile. That is, risk management with an eye for prevention and sound advice, also for the future. My background has always had an international aspect. The world is becoming increasingly international and complex, the risks are changing. We source solutions internationally for risks you need to consider in other countries. Think of political risks and war risks. Fortunately, we can use our international networks who provide extra purchasing capacity, even off the beaten track. After fifteen years, it’s a nice challenge to continue to shape Meijers Global & Specialty. We really get involved at Meijers. For me, that means staying true to your word, conducting business professionally, surprising the client, working together, and helping.

Marina Heijkoop, Junior Specialist

I am the connection between insurer, partners and the client. I liaise. In my current position, I play a role in establishing suitable coverage. This remains interesting because of the continuous developments; new risks are always added.  have a passion for languages and I am currently working on improving my business German. Being able to chat in the client's language breaks the ice. I am relatively new and I have noticed that the atmosphere at Meijers is very informal. You can always give somebody a shout if you need help. I feel that there is a close bond despite the number of people.

Joost Hoogervorst, Corporate Account Manager

I once switched from hospitality to business services. It is precisely because of that experience that I attach great value to good contact with our clients and network partners. I think it’s important to understand what drives clients so that I can tailor the advice accordingly. In addition, I believe it is key that we make a good impression at every moment of contact.

The Enterprise Risk Management study at the University of Amsterdam gave me more in-depth knowledge of strategic risk management and other forms of risk financing such as captives. This wide scope is what makes the Global & Specialty department different. A good network is increasingly important when serving international clients and for approaching other insurance markets. This allows us to be distinctive and able to offer the best solution for our clients.

Peter Frankhuizen, Account Manager

When my previous employer was sold to Meijers, I quickly found my way at Global & Specialty. Our strength lies in creativity and expertise. Sometimes by joining an international program and sometimes opting for a local solution. An international analysis is indispensable for advice to both large and small companies. Imagine, we have one Europe with twenty-seven different types of legislation.

Creating an overview for the local client and the parent company is essential. Besides, I like the content, after all I am an engineer. This type of technical knowledge is useful for the technical inspections by the insurers. For example, I find wind farms very interesting. Clients choose us because of our commitment. Nobody is treated like just a number around here, not even smaller companies. A long-term relationship is the hallmark of family businesses and our international partners.

Andrew Palmer, Senior Specialist

I have been working in the insurance world since 1995. My ambition and heart lie in international business where my native English comes in very handy. I am still learning every day about foreign legislation, compliance and developments. Especially by communicating with my international network of colleagues, some of which have become friends. We have known each other for years and when we contact each other, we always manage to find a solution to the question at hand.

Our department takes care of complex and difficult to insure international risks. We use our international network partners and insurers for this, always in close consultation with the client. No risk has yet been too difficult for us. Knowledge, experience and expertise is increasingly important to help clients and partners to move surely forward.

Jorinde Kea, Specialist

Our international desk advises foreign multinationals with entities in the Netherlands but also Dutch multinationals with entities abroad. I spend a lot of time arranging everything: each country has its own liabilities. We advise and indicate whether it is desirable to arrange matters locally. For example, good employment practices are very important in the Netherlands.

No two days are the same with so many different tasks. I am not only dealing with 250 Meijers colleagues, but also with 10,000 colleagues from our international partner networks. Together, we serve the client as optimally as possible. Our small committed team has a winning mentality – only 100% counts. We are fanatic, and you can see that in our work.

Vincent Verhagen, Senior Account Manager

A long time ago, before my time at Meijers, I lived in Africa for two years where I was involved with mission work. When I got back I wanted to do anything except insurance. That did not happen. In fact, I have come to really enjoy advising and assisting clients in matters that are complex and unfamiliar. This is how we facilitate their entrepreneurship.

With the rapidly globalizing economy, companies are expanding internationally. There is an increasing demand for expertise in risk management. You cannot separate Meijers from our network partners with their local involvement and awareness of country-specific responsibilities and structures. Our insurance advice flows from this. I love this tension within international work – you never stop learning. 

Ruben Oostwouder, Account Manager

My ten-year anniversary in insurance has already passed. My current position within the Global & Specialty team is interesting because of our clients’ increasing international business. They need sound advice and that is where Meijers provides added value. I focus on our network partners’ clients. We provide the services they promise their clients’ headquarters. Two things are important here: a good local partnership and optimal service. Add fast response time, knowledge of the client's activities, policies and coverages, appropriate action and being accessible – even outside office hours.

We also have something to prove because our international clients do not choose Meijers themselves. Their headquarters choose and that is where the challenge lies. When we offer a sound international service, the local contracts will naturally follow.

Rutger den Bruigom, Account Specialist Global Mobility

As an account specialist in global mobility, I advise on anything related to employees for companies operating internationally. My clients are mainly foreign companies that settle in the Netherlands, but also Dutch companies with employees who go abroad. More and more companies aim to offer the same employee benefits packages in all countries. The Dutch like to arrange a lot for their staff while foreign companies keep benefits more basic. The Netherlands has a good business climate, but also strict rules in the field of employee benefits. Companies need a specialist to translate the complicated regulations. We have insurance know-how and we also know when the employment conditions are in line with the market. I enjoy conversations with foreign clients about the Dutch benefits landscape, and vice versa, connecting Dutch clients with our international partners. My aim is to unburden our clients and their employees.