Gerard Zondervan
Serial Entrepreneur & Industrial / Defense Specialist
Born 1963 | Mechanical Engineer | Project Manager | Defense Industry Expert

About Me

Gerard Zondervan began his career as a project manager at an engineering firm shortly after graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1995, he founded his first company and has since built a successful track record as a serial entrepreneur and owner of multiple companies operating globally.

His early ventures focused on procurement services for multinationals such as Shell and Exxon, specializing in valves, measuring instruments, and control systems for onshore and offshore industries. Motivated by his passion for sport shooting and a broad interest in defense, Gerard expanded into manufacturing weapons and ammunition for defense purposes. He further honed his expertise by studying at the Dutch Police Academy.

Professional Experience

Founder & CEO
Various Global Companies
1995 – Present

  • Founded and developed multiple businesses focused on procurement and supply chain solutions for multinational industrial clients, including Shell and Exxon.

  • Specialized in sourcing valves, measuring, and control systems for onshore and offshore oil and gas operations.

  • Expanded operations into defense manufacturing, producing weapons and ammunition tailored to defense sector requirements.

  • Leveraged knowledge from studies at the Dutch Police Academy to align products with law enforcement and defense standards.

Project Manager
Engineering Firm
(Year started – Year ended)

  • Managed engineering projects related to mechanical systems and industrial procurement.

  • Coordinated multidisciplinary teams and ensured projects met technical specifications and deadlines.

Education

  • Mechanical Engineering — (Your University Name), Graduation Year

  • Dutch Police Academy — Specialized studies in law enforcement and defense-related topics

Skills

  • Project Management

  • Procurement & Supply Chain Management

  • Mechanical Engineering Applications

  • Defense Industry Product Development

  • Multinational Business Operations

  • Strategic Business Expansion

Interests

  • Competitive Sport Shooting

  • Defense Technology & Innovation

Michael Zondervan
Born 1991 | Mechanical Engineer | Oil & Gas Specialist | Commercial & Technical Manager

About Me

Michael Zondervan studied Mechanical Engineering and began his career in the valve industry immediately after graduating. Since 2014, he has specialized in managing technical and commercial affairs, successfully executing complex projects for major oil companies, with a particular focus on FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading units) and subsea applications.

In 2022, Michael was appointed General Manager of the Group’s Oil and Gas division. In this role, he oversees the operations of IPS Group, Maverick Valves, and Petro Control across the Netherlands and international markets. Beyond oil and gas, Michael actively develops new business activities in the defense industry and provides advisory support to the Dutch Defense Industry Association (AIA).

Professional Experience

General Manager – Oil & Gas Division
Group Companies: IPS Group, Maverick Valves, Petro Control
2022 – Present

  • Lead and manage commercial and technical operations in the Netherlands and abroad.

  • Drive growth and innovation in valve technologies and subsea systems.

  • Expand business activities into the defense sector and foster strategic partnerships.

Technical & Commercial Manager
Valve Industry Projects for Major Oil Companies
2014 – 2022

  • Coordinated complex engineering and procurement projects focused on FPSO and subsea applications.

  • Maintained client relationships with major oil companies, ensuring high standards of project delivery.

  • Balanced technical requirements with commercial objectives to maximize project success.

Education

  • Mechanical Engineering — (Your University Name), Graduation Year

Skills

  • Project Management & Coordination

  • Technical & Commercial Negotiations

  • Oil & Gas Industry Expertise (FPSO & Subsea)

  • Team Leadership & Operations Management

  • Business Development in Defense Industry

  • Client Relationship Management

Interests

  • Engineering Innovation

  • Defense Technology

  • Strategic Business Growth

Axel Macro
Lawyer | Military Law Specialist | Entrepreneur
Registered Lawyer & Reserve Captain (Military Legal Services)

About Me

Axel Macro studied law at both Leiden University and the University of Edinburgh, specializing in military law and company law. He began his legal career at the law firm Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn, known as the Government lawyers, where he frequently represented the Dutch Ministry of Defense in legal proceedings.

With over 30 years of legal experience, Axel has developed into a versatile and seasoned legal professional. He has played a key role in establishing and advising numerous national and international companies. Alongside his legal career, Axel is a successful entrepreneur and owner of several companies.

Axel is a fully registered lawyer and holds the rank of reserve captain within the military legal services, reflecting his deep commitment to both law and defense.

Professional Experience

Government Lawyer
Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn
(Years of service)

  • Represented the Ministry of Defense in a wide range of legal procedures.

  • Specialized in military and company law matters.

  • Provided expert legal advice on defense-related issues.

Entrepreneur & Legal Consultant
Various National and International Companies
(Years active)

  • Founded and advised multiple businesses across different sectors.

  • Offered strategic legal consulting for company formation, compliance, and operations.

  • Supported international business expansions and regulatory matters.

Education

  • Law — Leiden University

  • Law — University of Edinburgh
    Specializations: Military Law, Company Law

Skills

  • Military & Company Law Expertise

  • Legal Representation for Government Bodies

  • Corporate Law & Business Consulting

  • International Business Law

  • Strategic Legal Advisory

  • Entrepreneurship & Business Management

Military Rank

Reserve Captain, Military Legal Services

Ir. Emile van Duren
Lieutenant General (Retired) | Strategic Advisor | Military Logistics & Operations Expert

About Me

Ir. Emile van Duren has held numerous senior command positions throughout a distinguished military career. His roles include Vice Commander of Volkel Air Base, Manager of the F-35 Fighter Acquisition Program, Commander of the Logistics Center Woensdrecht, and Director of Weapon Systems (overseeing asset management of naval, land, and air systems) at Commit (formerly DMO).

He served as Vice Commander and Chief of Staff of the Air Force and later as Commander of the Joint Support Command (DOSCO). Emile also chaired the Board of Directors of the strategic NATO fuel supply system.

During his deployment in Afghanistan, he was responsible for the full spectrum of ISAF logistic, HR, C4I, contract, and medical support operations.

Since retiring at the rank of Lieutenant General, Emile provides strategic advice at the board level, focusing on challenges related to public-private partnerships and interfaces.

Professional Experience

Commander, Joint Support Command (DOSCO)

  • Oversaw integrated support operations across military domains.

Vice Commander & Chief of Staff, Air Force

  • Led strategic planning and operational readiness initiatives.

Director of Weapon Systems, Commit (former DMO)

  • Managed asset lifecycle and maintenance of naval, land, and air weapon systems.

Commander, Logistics Center Woensdrecht

  • Directed logistics operations supporting Dutch military capabilities.

Manager, F-35 Fighter Acquisition Program

  • Led acquisition and implementation of next-generation fighter aircraft.

Vice Commander, Volkel Air Base

  • Supported base operations and readiness.

Chairman, Board of Directors, NATO Strategic Fuel Supply System

  • Governed fuel supply strategies critical to NATO operations.

ISAF Deployment, Afghanistan

  • Directed ISAF logistics, human resources, C4I, contracts, and medical support.

Military Rank

Lieutenant General (Retired)

Expertise

  • Military Logistics & Asset Management

  • Defense Acquisition & Program Management

  • Strategic Military Leadership

  • Public-Private Partnership Advisory

  • International Military Operations

  • Board-Level Strategic Consulting

Ing. Joep Athmer
Born 1955 | Maritime Civil Engineering Specialist | Executive Leader | Mediator

About Me

After completing conscription service with the Artillery and Corps of Engineers, Joep Athmer built a global career with Royal Van Oord, a leader in maritime civil engineering, oil & gas, and the renewables sector. Over more than 22 years, he lived and worked internationally in Canada, USA, Norway, UK, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Hong Kong, Korea, China, Australia, and Taiwan.

His diverse roles included Project and Operations Management, Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, Head of Estimating and Engineering, Managing Director/President of the Oil & Gas division, and Member of the Executive Board of Van Oord.

Since retiring, Joep has taken on various advisory and supervisory board positions. In 2021, he became a certified MfN mediator, further extending his professional expertise.

Professional Experience

Member of the Executive Board
Royal Van Oord
(Years active)

  • Provided strategic leadership across maritime civil engineering, oil & gas, and renewable energy sectors.

Managing Director / President, Oil & Gas Division
Royal Van Oord

  • Oversaw global oil & gas operations, managing complex international projects and teams.

Managing Director, UK & Ireland
Royal Van Oord

  • Directed operations and business development in the UK and Ireland markets.

Head of Estimating and Engineering
Royal Van Oord

  • Led engineering teams and cost estimating functions critical to project success.

Project and Operations Management
Various international projects with Royal Van Oord

  • Managed large-scale maritime engineering projects across multiple continents.

Education & Certification

  • Conscription Service: Artillery and Corps of Engineers

  • Certified MfN Mediator (2021)

Skills

  • International Project & Operations Management

  • Executive Leadership & Board Governance

  • Maritime Civil Engineering & Renewables

  • Oil & Gas Sector Expertise

  • Strategic Business Development

  • Mediation & Conflict Resolution

International Experience

Canada, USA, Norway, UK, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Hong Kong, Korea, China, Australia, Taiwan

Pieter Cobelens
Born June 14, 1953, Dordrecht | Retired Major General | Former Director MIVD | Media Personality

About Me

Pieter Cobelens is a retired Dutch Major General and former Director of the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD). With a distinguished career as an air force officer, he played a key role as Director of Operations in the deployment of Dutch armed forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.

From 2006 to 2011, Pieter led the MIVD through a significant transformation, evolving it into a modern intelligence agency recognized internationally by its allied services. After his tenure at the MIVD, he shifted his focus to national cybersecurity, delivering lectures and providing expert consulting in this critical field.

As of 2024, Pieter is widely known for his regular appearances on television programs such as Vandaag Inside and De Oranjezomer/De Oranjezondag, where he discusses pressing global security issues, including the war in Ukraine and nuclear threats.

Professional Experience

Director, Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD)
2006 – 2011

  • Led the transformation of MIVD into a modern, internationally respected intelligence service.

  • Oversaw intelligence operations supporting national and allied security objectives.

Director of Operations, Royal Netherlands Air Force

  • Directed operational deployments of Dutch forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Air Force Officer

  • Served in various command and operational roles within the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

Post-Military Activities

  • Cybersecurity Lecturer and Consultant

  • Media Commentator on Security and Defense Issues (TV shows including Vandaag Inside, De Oranjezomer, De Oranjezondag)

Skills & Expertise

  • Military Intelligence & Security

  • Strategic Operations Management

  • National & International Security

  • Cybersecurity

  • Public Speaking & Media Communication

Jim Bartlett
Principal Attorney, Full Circle Trade Law PLLC | Licensed U.S. Customs Broker | Trade Law Expert

About Me

Jim Bartlett is the Principal Attorney of Full Circle Trade Law PLLC, based in Washington, DC, and a licensed U.S. Customs broker. With a distinguished career, he has held senior positions at Northrop Grumman Corporation, Harris Corporation, and the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency.

Jim has taught U.S. trade law at prestigious institutions including the U.S. Naval Academy, the University of Liverpool, and the Luiss University School of Law in Rome. He is also the author of several authoritative books on trade law.

Professional Experience

Principal Attorney
Full Circle Trade Law PLLC, Washington, DC
(Current)

  • Advises clients on complex trade law matters, compliance, and international regulations.

Senior Positions

  • Northrop Grumman Corporation

  • Harris Corporation

  • U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency

Academic & Teaching Experience

  • Instructor of U.S. Trade Law, U.S. Naval Academy

  • Lecturer, University of Liverpool

  • Lecturer, Luiss University School of Law, Rome

Bar Admissions & Court Practice

  • Licensed to practice law in multiple U.S. District Courts

  • U.S. Court of International Trade

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

  • United States Supreme Court

Advisory Roles

  • Member, U.S. State Department Defense Trade Advisory Group

  • Member, U.S. Commerce Department Regulations and Procedures Technical Advisory Council

Skills & Expertise

  • U.S. Trade Law & Compliance

  • Customs Brokerage

  • International Trade Regulations

  • Legal Advisory & Litigation

  • Academic Instruction

  • Government Advisory & Policy