Interview with Coen Hissink, Partner at CEG.

CEG feels very proud and fortunate to have Coen Hissink as a Partner. Coen’s expertise and strategic insight, honed across various sectors, is pivotal to driving CEG's growth and success in global markets.

Coen has held significant positions in various organisations; he founded the company Fiducom B.V. in 2013, has managed legal operations and strategic sourcing at a holding firm, and has been involved in investment activities and leadership roles in business support and international business.

Hello, Coen. What motivated you to become a partner at CEG, and how does this role align with your professional goals and experiences?

My role as Associate Partner at Cornerstone Group is a natural result of my diverse career experiences. It allows me to deploy my expertise in financial, legal and tax matters, as well as corporate management and compliance, alongside an interest in European business expansion strategies. In my 16-year role as Director at Molade Trust Management, I further developed my skills in business development and connecting people and organisations across borders. This, combined with my fluency in Dutch, English, French, and German, should position me uniquely to serve as a bridge between markets and cultures.

Can you tell us a bit about your educational background and what led you to pursue a career in your chosen field(s)?

I began my academic journey at Erasmus University Rotterdam, where I studied economics. I then furthered my education at Ecole H?telière de Genève, earning a degree in hotel management. This gave me a strong foundation in economics and international hospitality management. This diverse background, in combination with my hands-on approach and experience across multiple sectors, gave me a good understanding of business operations and strategy.

What motivated you to establish Fiducom B.V., and what were the main objectives of the company?

I established Fiducom B.V. to offer investment, consultancy, and management services, providing hands-on support to businesses, using my experience in corporate services and international business development. This was inspired by my work at Molade Trust Management, where I saw the need for integrated services for companies expanding internationally.

How has your international experience influenced your professional outlook and approach?

My international experience, including roles with InterContinental Hotels, Diageo, and Molade Trust Management, has shaped my professional outlook and approach. It’s given me a global perspective and the ability to interact inclusively with individuals from diverse organisations, countries, and nationalities. My fluency in four languages has also helped cross-cultural understanding and facilitate business relationships across Europe and beyond.

How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?

Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life requires careful time management and prioritization. My hands-on approach to work means I’m involved in key processes, but I’ve also learnt the importance of building strong teams and delegating effectively. This balance allows me to maintain high standards in my work while also pursuing personal interests that keep me connected to international cultures.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?

Outside of work, I enjoy activities such as travelling and exploring different cultures. I also value networking events that allow me to meet professionals from various industries, often leading to interesting conversations and potential business opportunities. Outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling are also among my favourites, as they allow me to stay active and appreciate nature.

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

Looking back on my career, I am most proud of the positive impact I have had on the businesses and individuals I have worked with. This includes my time at Molade Trust Management. Building out through business development and connecting people and organisations have been important throughout my career. I am also very proud of the fact that the “younger” professionals I now work with appreciate my expertise.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career?

For those starting their careers, I’d stress the importance of languages - being multilingual has opened many doors in my career. Also, don’t underestimate the power of building relationships and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. A strong professional network can be invaluable as your career progresses.