Erik Van Buuren - Initiator

Q: Where is Erik based?

Erik is based in Berlin, Germany and can operate in on-site , hybrid , and remote work models.

Q: What languages does Erik speak?

Erik speaks the following languages: Dutch (Native), German (Advanced), English (Advanced), French (Elementary) .

Q: How many years of experience does Erik have?

Erik has at least 30 years of experience. During this time, Erik has worked in at least 13 different roles and for 13 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 1 month . Note that Erik may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Erik's latest experience?

Erik's most recent position is Initiator at New Foundation .

Q: What companies has Erik worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Erik has worked for New Foundation , Qiagen NV , Universal Investment , MEAG , and SD Identity .

Q: Which industries is Erik most experienced in?

Erik is most experienced in industries like Professional Services , Manufacturing , and Government and Administration . Erik also has some experience in Banking and Finance , Information Technology , and Biotechnology .

Q: Which business areas is Erik most experienced in?

Erik is most experienced in business areas like Sustainability Management , Project Management , and Procurement . Erik also has some experience in Investments and M&A , Finance , and Product Development .

Q: Which industries has Erik worked in recently?

Erik has recently worked in industries like Information Technology , Professional Services , and Biotechnology .

Q: Which business areas has Erik worked in recently?

Erik has recently worked in business areas like Business Intelligence , Sustainability Management , and Product Development .

Recommended expert

Berlin, Germany

Experience

Sep 2025 - Dec 2025

4 months

Netherlands

Initiator

New Foundation

Initiator of a new foundation with a focus on Indigenous Wisdom.

Jan 2025 - Jun 2025

6 months

ESG Data and Reporting Expert

Qiagen NV

CSRD/ESRS compliance
Materiality analysis
IROs
Internal ESG data analysis and documentation
Implementation of the hybrid Scope 3 CCF data model

Jun 2023 - Dec 2024

1 year 7 months

ESG Program Manager

Qiagen NV

Develop Scope 3 decarbonisation strategy and GHG emissions model for CCF and PCFs
Establish sustainable design guidelines
Set up workstream programs and circularity projects

Sep 2022 - Dec 2022

4 months

Frankfurt, Germany

ESG Project Manager

Universal Investment

Project management, coordination and controlling of legal SFDR documents for all mutual and special funds in Germany, Ireland and Luxembourg

Dec 2020 - Dec 2022

2 years 1 month

Munich, Germany

ESG Strategy and Investment Policy Expert

MEAG

Develop ESG strategy
Establish new proxy voting policy and tender process for a proxy voting provider
Update responsible investment guidelines
Manage ESG certification and SFDR compliance
C-level approval processes and stakeholder management

Sep 2020 - Present

5 years 7 months

Berlin, Germany

CEO and Co-Founder

SD Identity

Development of an ESG data platform and services
Data of over 1,200 global companies listed on the largest indexes provides benchmarking and best practices with a special focus on Circular Economy

Jul 2020 - Oct 2020

4 months

Auditor

FNG Siegel

Auditor for the FNG Siegel, the quality standard for ESG investment funds in the DACH region

Feb 2019 - Oct 2019

9 months

Berlin, Germany

Circular Economy Manager

LiebKost

Set up a new sustainable and organic cheese brand, part of Hochland GmbH, one of Europe’s largest cheese manufacturers

Sep 2015 - Aug 2018

3 years

Berlin, Germany

ESG Chief Analyst

Sustainability Intelligence

Managed a team of 10 ESG analysts

Jan 2009 - Dec 2020

12 years

Independent Circular Economy Project Manager

Independent

Development of circular products and implementation of sustainability strategies, due diligence and procurement guidelines for government, multinationals and SMEs
Clients: AkzoNobel, Apple, BASF, Bayer, BoschSiemens, DSM, Dutch and German Ministries, Nike, Philips, PUMA, Unilever

Jun 2001 - Sep 2007

6 years 4 months

Senior Business Consultant

IBM Business Consulting Services

Asset Management and Private Banking consulting

Apr 1998 - May 2001

3 years 2 months

Basel, Switzerland

Sustainability Analyst

Bank Sarasin

Apr 1998 - May 2001

3 years 2 months

London, United Kingdom

Sustainability Analyst

Delphi International

Apr 1995 - Apr 1998

3 years 1 month

Hamburg, Germany

Circular Economy Consultant

EPEA

Environmental consultancy

Industry Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Professional Services, Manufacturing, Government and Administration, Banking and Finance, Information Technology, and Biotechnology.

Professional Services

Manufacturing

Government and Administration

Banking and Finance

Information Technology

Biotechnology

Business Area Experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Sustainability Management, Project Management, Procurement, Investments and M&A, Finance, and Product Development.

Sustainability Management

Project Management

Procurement

Investments and M&A

Finance

Product Development

Summary

As managing professional, my focus is to improve quality of life by promoting and developing beneficial and healthy places to live and work. My centre of activity is to be responsible for reviewing processes and programmes from end-to-end and to identify and address operational, financial and technological opportunities and risks. By shaping and defining a positive role of business, sustainability becomes an innovation driver. Clients and colleagues describe me as a focussed, enthusiastic communicator and precise business analyst.

Skills

Circular Economy & Scope 3 Ccf Implementation Expert
Sustainable Product Development Incl. Pcf Strategies
Esg And Impact Investment Analysis And Strategy
Investment Stewardship And Proxy Voting
Organisational Development
Program And Project Management
Client And Supply Chain Management
Due Diligence
Change Management
Coaching For Staff, Management And Key Stakeholders
Textile & Apparel
Esg
Investments
Consumer Goods
It Products
Food
Architecture
Beneficial Activities

Languages

Dutch

Native

German

Advanced

English

Advanced

French

Elementary

Education

Oct 1999 - May 2001

Henley Management College

MBA · Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom

Delft University of Technology

M.Sc. · Materials Science and Engineering · Delft, Netherlands

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 14

Experience in Professional Services 23.5 y

Avg length 2 y 11 m

Longest experience 11 y 11 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 4 (Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Initiator, ESG Data and Reporting Expert, ESG Program Manager

Main industries Professional Services, Manufacturing, Government and Administration

Main business areas Sustainability Management, Project Management, Procurement

Qualifications

Highest degree Master

Profile

Created

March 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Erik based?

Erik is based in Berlin, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

What languages does Erik speak?

Erik speaks the following languages: Dutch (Native), German (Advanced), English (Advanced), French (Elementary).

How many years of experience does Erik have?

Erik has at least 30 years of experience. During this time, Erik has worked in at least 13 different roles and for 13 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 1 month. Note that Erik may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Erik be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Erik would be well-suited for roles such as: Initiator, ESG Data and Reporting Expert, ESG Program Manager.

What is Erik's latest experience?

Erik's most recent position is Initiator at New Foundation.

What companies has Erik worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Erik has worked for New Foundation, Qiagen NV, Universal Investment, MEAG, and SD Identity.

Which industries is Erik most experienced in?

Erik is most experienced in industries like Professional Services, Manufacturing, and Government and Administration. Erik also has some experience in Banking and Finance, Information Technology, and Biotechnology.

Which business areas is Erik most experienced in?

Erik is most experienced in business areas like Sustainability Management, Project Management, and Procurement. Erik also has some experience in Investments and M&A, Finance, and Product Development.

Which industries has Erik worked in recently?

Erik has recently worked in industries like Information Technology, Professional Services, and Biotechnology.

Which business areas has Erik worked in recently?

Erik has recently worked in business areas like Business Intelligence, Sustainability Management, and Product Development.

What is Erik's education?

Erik holds a Master from Henley Management College and a Master in Materials Science and Engineering from Delft University of Technology.

What is the availability of Erik?

Erik is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Erik?

Erik's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.