Our team
Joost van Gelder
CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Positive critical innovator
Brings brands and organizations further by realizing focus and energy. Business strategist. Challenges managements and organizations, using his ability to connect. Has over 10 years of experience in FMCG and Food retail: Procter & Gamble, Albert Heijn and Marqt. Chairman of the NIMA Internal Branding Group. Foodie and founder of Smeris Peanut Butter. Enjoys the dunes and beach with family and plays hockey with friends.
Linda Rutten
DIRECTOR
Connecting and building
Thorough and astute in developing brand positioning and strategies that truly take off. Combines the ability to quickly get to the core with creating buy-in among and between stakeholders. Strategist with experience in quality management, project management, and market analysis, at TNO and Datamonitor (UK) among others. A family-oriented individual who joyfully combines her job with managing an energetic family.
Marloes Garben
PARTNER
Creative brand strategist and brand builder Seeks connection between brand, consumer, and trends to develop unique propositions. Over 10 years of FMCG experience both domestically and internationally, responsible for major Unilever mass brands (e.g., Persil UK) and new strategic brands under Unilever Prestige and Ventures (e.g., Dermalogica). Passionate about purpose-driven brands; 5 years as an entrepreneur and co-founder of the sustainable e-commerce platform SCOON.
Randy van Essen
PARTNER
Brand marketing specialist through and through
With over 20 years of experience at major brands such as BP, T-Mobile, and Reebok. Prior to his move to New Growth Strategies, Randy served as the Chief Marketing Officer at the surf brand O’Neill. Both domestically and internationally, he held executive roles in brand positioning, marketing strategy, and communication. He believes in sustainable growth by making bold yet well-founded choices.
Joost Niepoth
PARTNER
Passionate and experienced
A marketing and communication professional with over 25 years of experience on both the client and agency side. A pragmatic strategist who is versatile, well-rounded, and a thinker and a doer. He enjoys assisting companies with strategy and implementation. Actively involved within NIMA as a board member of the B2B committee and as a coach in the Career Booster program. In his free time, you can often find him on the tennis and golf course.
Lara Molendijk
SENIOR BRAND CONSULTANT
Passionate and strategic brand enthusiast Analytical and driven to get to the core of a brand. Doesn’t stop at offering advice on paper. Works alongside clients and colleagues to bring it to life in practice and is only satisfied when it becomes tangible for customers. Energetically involves others, connects, and inspires with a passion for strong brands. Became a brand enthusiast through her job as a production manager at Trouw Amsterdam. Went on to work as a brand strategist after completing an in-depth MBA. Experienced on both the communication and strategy fronts. Feels most at home riding her bike in Amsterdam.
Jasper Duijf
BUSINESS STRATEGY CONSULTANT
Een strategische denker met creatieve skills en een ondernemende mindset Rollend into marketing because of starting his own video and branding agency. Gets a lot of energy from fathoming people as well as brands, spotting opportunities and proposing and developing creative ideas and solutions. Always busy. Dream big, serious planning, continue to grow. Has a passion for Italy, tasty food and great wine. Enjoys reading books or entrepreneurs in tasty breadmixes on mybread.nl. Gets satisfaction from winning together. Except when it comes to squash.
Naut Scholtens
BRAND CONSULTANT
Strategist with an eye for creativity
Joined New Growth Strategies from media agency. After creating advertisements for various B2B and B2C entities on many different platforms, he sought a strategic challenge that truly excites him. Involved in advertising and brands from a young age, it runs in his blood. Always on the hunt for the right insights to build brands that resonate with people and leave an impact.
Guillemette Verdonk
JUNIOR BRAND CONSULTANT
Positive and energetic consultant
Dived into the world of brands from the field of economic and consumer psychology. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for building strong brands, she brings her unmistakable refreshing energy to every task she takes on. Her determination and creativity are the driving forces behind her ability to make brands flourish and grow. Enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, and isn’t afraid to grab the microphone at karaoke.
Jij?
OUR NEW STAR
A true asset!
Check out our job openings and become a part of our amazing tea!
