Charting a Course: Business Leadership in a Geopolitical Storm
Charting a Course: Business Leadership in a Geopolitical Storm
Thursday, Oct 30 | Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club (IGC) | Amsterdam
Global trade is undergoing fundamental transformation, driven by US volatile tariff regimes, geopolitical shifts, evolving regulatory frameworks, and rapid technological change. As a direct result of the changing business landscape companies operating international supply chains must now navigate a multifaceted landscape of trade laws and regulations.
Speakers:
- Bart van Bolhuis, former Head of Economic Diplomacy, Netherlands Embassy Washington
- Joan Lu, CFO, Qosmosys, Board member Financial Executives International (FEI, Houston)
- Bhaskar Parthasarathi, Chief Procurement Officer/VP Procurement (Manufacturing, Chemicals and Automotive), CRH
- Moderation: Nate Baca, Account Executive, Amazon Webservices and Marcel Schulze, Executive Director, EACC Netherlands
As a diplomatic veteran Bart van Bolhuis will share an insider’s perspective from Washington D.C. on the State of the Transatlantic Alliance. Among others, he will try to address some key questions: What are the main transatlantic tensions companies needs to take into account? How to navigate your business with a partnership in motion? How to assess the EU–US trade agreement: will it hold?
Our panelists will share insights on how companies can reflect on their international business strategy—ensuring they are well-sourced and positioned to take informed decisions. Drawing on high-level knowledge and real-world business experience, panelists bring their expertise on EU-US (trade) relations, international business leadership and global supply chains.
Agenda:
18.00: Doors open
18.30: Program with speakers and panel
20.00: Dinner
Venue:
Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club
Dam 27, 1012 JS Amsterdam
Cost:
Menu starts from EUR 32,50 (depending on drinks).
To be paid upon entering the venue.
Kindly note: We have limited seats. Therefore, participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Date
Time
Location
Speakers
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Bart van BolhuisFormer Minister Counselor for Economy and Climate, Netherlands Embassy in Washington DCBart (Bartholomeus) van Bolhuis
Before (2021-2025) his appointment as Minister Counselor for Economy and Climate at the Netherlands Embassy in Washington DC, Bart served from 2017-2021 as Consul General in Istanbul, Turkiye. During this posting he worked amongst others on the urban challenges, climate and circularity. Topics that he also covered earlier (2013 to 2017), as Director for European and International Affairs at the Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment. During the Netherlands EU-presidency in 2016 and beyond, he was actively involved in climate adaptation, water management, circular economy and smart and green mobility.
Bart first posting was also in the USA. From 2009 to 2013, being based in Los Angeles and San Francisco, he was Consul General in the 13 westernmost states, focusing on mutual investments in innovation, water management, renewable energy, food, nutrition, life science, health and creative industries. He initiated networks like Holland in the Valley and Holland Hollywood Connections.
From 2003 to 2009, Bart was Director for Foreign Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Secretary of the Dutch Trade Board, being at the forefront of private-public cooperation designed to increase Dutch competitiveness in globalizing markets. He initiated Dutch Design Fashion & Architecture.Throughout his career in the eighties and nineties Bart held several functions at the Netherlands Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs and Finance. He has been involved in the creation of the European Market and the Economic and Monetary Union, in assisting new member states in Eastern Europe to adapt to EU requirements and in positioning Dutch business in these developing markets.
From 1998 to 2002, Bart was head of the Euroteam and secretary of the National Forum for the Introduction of the Euro. In this position, he gave direction to the successful introduction of this new currency in the Netherlands.
Mr Bart van Bolhuis holds a Master’s Degree in European and International Law from the University of Amsterdam.
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Bhaskar ParthasarathiVice President, Head of Category Management | CPO - Europe Materials and Products, CHR -
Joan LuCFO, Managing Director, Member to Board of Directors Qosmosys -
Marcel SchulzeExecutive Director, EACC Netherlands -
Nate BacaAccount Executive, Amazon Web Services