KAREL
J.N. BAKKES
KAREL is an Executive Coach and seasoned corporate leader, and consultant. He has transformed businesses and has a proven track record of using his business development and consulting skills to deliver results with the life purpose of connecting, inspiring, and developing people. Successfully built, inspired, and led high-performing teams across multiple cultures and industries.
Karel started his career with Deloitte with an initial focus on auditing and finance. As a partner in the firm, he led the relationship with several strategic global clients. He held various management roles, including office managing partner, Audit Practice Leader, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications leader for the Dutch firm and part of the global TMT executive team, and Global Lead Client Service Partner for companies such as Philips and Fonterra. In addition to his formal roles, Karel was also involved in many strategic initiatives, including dean for the Leadership Development Program, leading the Technology Fast 500 program in EMEA, and integrating a significant acquisition into the firm.
Karel left Deloitte to build his business skills further and became CFO for the international division of a telecom company. In addition to his typical day-to-day CFO responsibilities, he was involved in several M&A and divestment projects, transformed the internal audit function, and led growth.
After rejoining Deloitte, Karel was a partner in the consulting practice focused on building the relationship with large multinational companies. As such, he has worked with many global executives and team members across the globe. Working worldwide enabled him to learn how to live and work in different cultures and lead multi-cultural international teams.