Freek has been a Partner Advisory at CPI, a Grant Thornton Netherlands company, since 2023. With over 25 years of international experience in audit, finance and risk management, he helps organisations in the financial sector maintain control over risks, strengthen governance and design processes to be simpler and more effective. Freek is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Controller (RC) and board member of both IIA Netherlands and the Association of Chartered Controllers (VRC).]
Throughout his career, Freek has specialised in governance, risk management and internal audit. He has led international and multicultural teams, further developed audit functions and advised executives, boards, supervisory boards, audit committees and regulators. In doing so, he combines in-depth expertise with a pragmatic, results-oriented approach.
Freek has held various senior leadership positions within financial services. For example, he was Regional Head of Audit for ABN AMRO in Asia, where he led 115 audit professionals spread across four regional hubs. In addition, he was Chief Audit Executive at LeasePlan Corporation (now Ayvens), an international leasing company active in 32 countries. Previously, he served as Head of Operational Risk for Retail & Private Banking at ABN AMRO and was actively involved in governance at several local Rabobanks. He also lived and worked as an expat in Singapore for more than four years.
What characterises Freek is his drive to make organisations stronger, smarter and less complex. He enjoys collaborating with different stakeholders, knows how to inspire people to take action and translates complex issues into practical and sustainable solutions.
Outside of work, he enjoys exploring new places, playing padel, refereeing hockey matches and contributing to charitable causes.
Professional qualifications and memberships
- Board member IIA Netherlands (Institute of Internal Auditors)
- Board member Association of Chartered Controllers (VRC)
- Chartered Controller (RC)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
