Successful edition in Utrecht
Over 80 international students gathered in the Auditorium on the University College Utrecht campus at the end of February. Here, the DUFAS College Tour was hosted by the Utrecht School of Economics. They did not miss the opportunity to enter into a conversation with CEOs Karin van Baardwijk of Robeco and Martijn Rozemuller of VanEck. Led by moderator Marlon Jansen, it turned out to be a very interesting afternoon.
Personal background
Both Karin and Martijn spoke at length about their studies and the careers they have built since then. For Karin, that led to institutional asset manager Robeco (part of Japan's Orix) where she has been CEO since 2022. Martijn started as an options trader at Optiver where he later became a partner. Now Martijn is CEO Europe at private company VanEck.
How do you become a CEO?
Karin studied business economics and entrepreneurial law in Utrecht and started at a consultancy organisation. This way, she got a better picture of different companies and this is how she ended up at Robeco in 2006. For her, the route to CEO only really took shape when she was asked as Head of Technology. Being asked was a confirmation for her that you can be a leader without specific knowledge, provided you have the right people around you. That role suited her and that is how she grew to eventually become CEO.
Martijn studied at UT Twente because he was a bit of a 'petrol head'. Through the student investment club, he rolled into the world of options trading. Trading on the floor he really enjoyed doing but when the floor was replaced by online trading, it became a bit too boring for Martijn. After a sabbatical, he decided to create an ETF which was then acquired by VanEck. Martijn was then asked to be CEO Europe. Both Karin and Martijn experienced that, as CEO, it is preferable not to have all the knowledge. Listening to the right people with knowledge and combining them into a decision is what makes a good CEO.
Many questions, also personal
At the beginning of the talk, Marlon invited the students to especially ask all questions, which was well used. Many questions about investment decisions, influences of crypto and AI came along. But also how to deal with investment choices in the arms industry, for example. Karin said she had not yet come across an AI version of herself, but finds it worrying how fast these developments are going. AI is a growing theme for all companies. It is not expected to take over business completely, but it will become part of, where human decision making will always remain key.
Continued over drinks
Time flew by and all the questions and answers were listened to with full attention. During the drinks afterwards, discussions continued in full swing. The CEOs stayed until the end and were able to answer many questions. It was another interesting and fun afternoon for them too.
Take a look at the photo galleries
Want to taste the atmosphere (again)? Luckily, we still have the photos! Would you like a photo removed from the website? Feel free to contact us by sending an email to Marlon Jansen, manager public affairs & communications at DUFAS.
More information
It was a successful event for DUFAS as well as the University and the students and we look forward to the next editions. More information about the College Tour or curious about career opportunities within the asset management sector? Take a look around this website.
