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Maaike

Senior Legal Counsel | Commercial & Privacy | AI Compliance | Business Partner

About Me

Senior Legal Counsel with 15+ years of experience supporting fast-growing, international organizations in Europe and the Benelux. I specialize in commercial contracting, privacy and data protection, AI compliance, and regulatory law, with a strong focus on e-commerce, fintech and tech-driven businesses. I have repeatedly set up and led legal functions from scratch, acting as a pragmatic business partner to commercial, product and management teams. My approach combines legal accuracy with commercial awareness: translating complex regulations into workable, business-friendly solutions. My experience includes contract negotiations, corporate housekeeping, regulatory implementation, privacy and AI governance, and working closely with regulators and authorities. I collaborate seamlessly with international stakeholders across Europe, the UK and the US. Certified AI Compliance Officer (CAICO). Fluent in Dutch and English, with working knowledge of German.

Jurisdiction

Netherlands

Notable Employer

  • Senior Legal Counsel Benelux at Afterpay/Riverty

Experience

Seniority LevelDirector
Years of Experience15-20 years
Current StatusActive
Senior Legal Counsel Commercial and PrivacyTipalti
2023 - Present

Responsible for setting up and leading the European legal function. Advises the business on all legal matters across Europe, with a focus on commercial contracting, privacy and AI compliance. Acts as a trusted business partner to commercial and operational teams, leads contract negotiations, manages corporate housekeeping and implements relevant European laws and regulations, in close collaboration with teams in Europe, the UK and the US.

Senior Legal Counsel BeneluxNotableAfterpay/Riverty
2020 - 2023

Responsible for setting up and leading the legal function within the Benelux. Managed all legal affairs, acting as a business partner to the organization to ensure commercial objectives were achieved in a legally compliant manner. Drafted and negotiated commercial agreements, handled corporate housekeeping, implemented relevant laws and regulations, and worked closely with regulators and authorities. Member of the Works Council.

Senior Legal Counsel GlobalGlobalinternet
2017 - 2020

Responsible for setting up the legal department and managing all legal affairs globally. Specialized in telecommunications, IT/IP, international commercial contracting, corporate, competition and employment law. Drafted and negotiated contracts, advised the business on regulatory matters and ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Senior Legal Counsel EuropeLightspeed
2016 - 2017

Responsible for setting up the European legal function and managing all legal matters across offices in Amsterdam, Ghent, Frankfurt and London. Specialized in e-commerce and European consumer law, privacy, IT/IP, telecommunications, corporate and employment law. Drafted and negotiated commercial contracts and implemented relevant European legislation.

Senior Legal Counsel BeneluxCoolblue
2015 - 2016

Led the legal function within the Benelux. Acted as a business partner to the organization, ensuring commercial goals were met in compliance with applicable laws. Specialized in e-commerce and European consumer law, privacy, IT/IP, telecommunications, corporate and employment law. Drafted and negotiated commercial agreements and advised the business on regulatory matters.

Legal CounselICTRecht
2010 - 2015

Provided legal advice to clients ranging from start-ups to large corporates, specializing in European e-commerce, internet law, telecommunications law and intellectual property. Drafted, reviewed and negotiated international agreements. Responsible for legal certification of webshops, partnerships, and legal publications, including contributions to industry magazines.

Education

Masters of Private Law (Dutch Law)Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
2004 - 2009
Masters of IT and Internet law (Postgraduate / Specialisation)Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
2009 - 2010

Certification

Total Certifications1

Certified AI Compliance Officer (CAICO)

ICTRecht

2025

Skills

Core skills0
Languages4

Languages

English
English (British)
Dutch
German