Working as National Security Officer for Microsoft in The Netherlands, my primary focus is on building trust with clients and partners, enabling them to realize value from Microsoft's online services and technologies. I engage with the broader cybersecurity ecosystem helping to improve the digital security posture of our society and economy. My interest is centered around the fundamental pillars of 'Trusted Cloud': cybersecurity, privacy and compliance. These topics, complemented with the field of Identity & Access and Microsoft (hybrid) cloud computing in general, also form the main themes of my frequent presentations on conferences and events.
After completing my scientific study Philosophy of Science, Technology and Society at the University of Twente, I started as a university teacher and researcher at the same university, focused on using the emerging Internet in group based education programs. My experiences working with different Internet related technologies led me to work for Capgemini, a large international ICT Consultancy firm, where I worked as managing consultant in many different engagements comprising the architecture and security of IT Infrastructure services and solutions.
I joined Microsoft in 2005 as a Security Technology Advisor and transferred into several subsequent technology-sales oriented advisory roles. My objectives where to help enterprise customers become successful with their Data Center and IT technology optimization, innovation, security and adoption strategies. With the emergence of cloud computing, I transferred to the role of Principal Cloud Technology Advisor, where I frequently engaged with clients in more complex Microsoft Cloud platform opportunities with a strong focus on cloud adoption fundamentals: identity, security/privacy, connectivity, compliance and governance.