As Founder of VAT360, I lead the development of an innovative learning and advisory platform focused on global VAT, customs, and tax transformation. I combine deep technical expertise with modern learning design and tax technology integration to help organizations and professionals navigate the complexity of international indirect tax. My work centers on: - Supporting businesses with tax challenges and opportunities on an Interim, Fractional or Counsel basis - Designing and delivering structured online and multi-lingual VAT training programs for corporate tax, finance, and technology teams, including certification-based learning paths and modular content tailored to functional roles. - Advising businesses on tax process impact of global Finance, IT or Supply Chain transformations, focusing on process optimization, technology adoption, and future-ready compliant operating models. - Guiding businesses, e-commerce and entrepreneurs on indirect tax and customs implications of global expansion. - Supporting international businesses and entrepreneurs with compliance requirements such as e-invoicing mandates and real-time reporting. This includes vendor selection, business impact, tax control framework and requirement gathering. - Bridging business, technology, and compliance, leveraging 30+ years of experience in international VAT and customs across multinational environments. - Developing strategic content and thought leadership on VAT digitalization, automation, and the evolving intersection between tax and technology. Through VAT360, I aim to make complex VAT and customs topics accessible, scalable, and strategically valuable, supporting companies and individuals in aligning tax with digital transformation goals.

At Vertex Inc., a leading US-based global provider of tax technology solutions, I was responsible for shaping and executing the European VAT strategy. My role bridged tax expertise, technology, and strategic market development, ensuring that Vertex’s solutions aligned with evolving European VAT requirements and digital tax transformation trends. Key responsibilities and achievements included: - Defining and driving the European VAT strategy, translating complex regulatory changes into product innovation and client value. - Advising global product and content teams on VAT policy, compliance, and design for indirect tax automation across multiple jurisdictions. - Engaging with tax authorities, industry bodies, and advisory firms to anticipate legislative developments and strengthen Vertex’s thought leadership in Europe. - Collaborating with enterprise and e-commerce clients to align tax automation initiatives with business transformation objectives and ERP modernization. - Delivering thought leadership through webinars, publications, and industry panels on VAT digitalization, e-invoicing, and tax control frameworks. This role combined my deep expertise in international VAT, Customs, business processes, and tax transformation with a strong focus on technology enablement and strategic positioning across the European market.

As Global Head of Indirect Tax at AkzoNobel, I was responsible for the company’s global VAT, GST, and customs strategy, overseeing all aspects of indirect tax governance, risk management, and transformation across more than 80 countries. My role combined strategic leadership, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration with finance, IT, and supply chain. Key responsibilities and achievements included: - Leading global tax transformation initiatives, aligning people, processes, and technology to achieve greater compliance efficiency and strategic control. - Selecting and implementing two global tax engines, driving automation, standardization, and integration with multiple ERP systems. - Initiating and leading a global indirect tax compliance outsourcing program, achieving significant efficiency gains and risk reduction across all business units. - Providing strategic oversight and Tax Control Frameworks for customs and VAT compliance, ensuring alignment with global finance and business operations and regulatory frameworks. - Supporting M&A and business restructuring projects, advising on indirect tax implications of integrations, divestments, and cross-border reorganizations. - Building and mentoring a global team of indirect tax professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across regions. This role strengthened my expertise in tax transformation, technology enablement, and international VAT & customs management, combining strategic vision with hands-on global implementation experience.