Steven Koolen

Steven holds a MSc. in Business Administration from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, a MSc. in Computer Science from the Delft University of Technology and an MBA from INSEAD Singapore. Besides his studies, he has been very passionate about start-ups and new technologies from an early age. Steven is an experienced consultant in strategic and operational projects within the fields of retail/consumer goods, financial services, high-tech and telecom. Before joining SparkOptimus Steven was project manager for McKinsey & Company Business Technology Office (BTO) since 2008. He is also founder of Treelz.com a company in which he combined his entrepreneurial drive with his experience in software engineering. Steven loves to spend his summer time sailing with family and friends while he prefers the slopes for skiing in winter.

Helping companies to use technology to achieve business objectives - IT as enabler and changing the view of how to do business. IT is still considered as too cost based and restrictive, while it can support and accelerate growth when properly deployed.

Education

• MBA INSEAD (2010 — 2011)
• MscBA Erasmus University Rotterdam (2003 — 2008)
• Master of Science (MS) / Ingenieur Delft University of Technology (1999 — 2007)
• High School Hertog Jan (1993 — 1999)

Companies

• Guest Lecturer (Leading Digital Transformation and Innovation) INSEAD (2020)
• Partner SparkOptimus (2016)
• Senior Manager SparkOptimus (2013 — 2016)
• Associate McKinsey & Company (2011 — 2013)
• Fellow McKinsey & Company (2008 — 2010)
• Owner / founder Treelz (2005 — 2009)
• Sail instructor/Head of sailing camp Vinea Friesland (1998 — 2008)
• Academy Fellow McKinsey & Company (2007 — 2007)
• Software Engineer JOA Software & Service (2002 — 2003)

Skills

• Start-ups
• Financial Modeling
• Entrepreneurship