Ray Gaul
Co-Founder & CEO, Retail Cities
Over the last 20 years, Ray has focused on understanding the retailer-on-retailer competition and how that changes brand strategies and investments, and through the years has become a world-renowned expert on the dynamics of retail competition and the future of the commerce. Previously, during his time at Kantar Consulting as Vice President of Research and Analytics, he was a founding member of Kantar Retail’s global retail forecasting team, where he was responsible for the direction of Kantar Retail’s global data that supports all of Kantar Retail Market Insights’ retailer forecasting products worldwide.
Henry Robben
Professor of Marketing, Nyenrode Business Universiteit
Professor Henry Robben is a distinguished academic specializing in strategic marketing and innovation management. Since 1997, he has been a Professor of Marketing at Nyenrode Business Universiteit, where he is deeply engaged in teaching and research, fostering strong connections with both academic and business communities. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles, including Dean of Faculty, Center Director, Director of the Nyenrode Research Group, and PhD Director. However, he prefers focusing on non-management roles to maximize his contributions.
In addition to academia, Professor Robben has provided advisory services to major corporations such as The Walt Disney Company, ING, Achmea, Linklaters, Decos Technology, and Rabobank. Prior to joining Nyenrode, he was an Associate Professor of Marketing at Delft University of Technology. Briefly, in 2001, he also served as Dean of Faculty at TIAS Business School. His expertise and experience make him a highly respected figure in the field of marketing and innovation.
Anne Ravalet
Innovation & Trends, Daymon International
Anne Ravalet is a seasoned marketing and consumer insights professional with extensive experience in strategic innovation, category management, and private brand development. Currently, she serves as Trends & Innovation and Consultancy Projects Senior Manager at Daymon International, where she helps retailers implement tailored strategies to drive growth. With over a decade at Daymon, she has led initiatives in business insights, innovation processes, and market intelligence.
Previously, Anne worked at dunnhumby as a Category Solutions Expert, launching data-driven tools for major retailers and training teams on customer-centric category management. Earlier in her career, she held roles in business analysis at Travelstore Group. Her expertise lies in translating data and trends into actionable strategies, ensuring businesses stay ahead in a competitive retail landscape. Passionate about consumer relevance, Anne excels in bridging market insights with operational execution, making her a key contributor to retail innovation and private brand success.
Sergio Rodrigues
Senior Director of Client Solutions, Daymon International
Sergio Rodrigues has a strong background in strategy, business intelligence, and category management. Currently serving as Senior Director of Client Solutions at Daymon International, he plays a pivotal role in crafting and executing strategic initiatives that drive business growth. With over a decade at Daymon, he has held key leadership positions, including Strategy & Business Intelligence Director and Head of Strategy, where he honed his expertise in market analysis, business planning, and data-driven decision-making.
Before joining Daymon, Sergio gained extensive experience in category management at Grupo Mosqueteiros and Sonae, overseeing product assortment, market segmentation, supplier negotiations, and private brand launches. His ability to blend strategic vision with operational excellence has made him a key player in shaping competitive business strategies. With a keen analytical mindset and a results-oriented approach, Sergio continues to deliver impactful solutions that help businesses stay ahead in an evolving market landscape.
Koen Hazewinkel
Programme Director, EFMI Business School
Koen Hazewinkel is a professional specializing in strategic choice and implementation, particularly in times of major business transformation. With extensive experience as both a manager and consultant, he has guided companies through strategic repositioning and format development, focusing on strategy, organization, and leadership. His expertise spans multiple industries, with a particular passion for the food sector.
Koen’s career is deeply international, drawing on global insights to help businesses navigate complex challenges. In addition to his consulting and management roles, he is an experienced educator, currently teaching at EFMI Business School. He has also lectured at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, and Nyenrode University in the Netherlands. Holding both a BBA and MBA, Koen combines academic knowledge with practical experience to deliver impactful strategies. His ability to bridge strategic vision with execution makes him a valuable partner for businesses undergoing transformation.
Jan-Hein van Spaandonk, Brand Manager Private Label, Spar Holding
Jan-Hein van Spaandonk is an experienced retail and FMCG professional with over 18 years at SPAR Holding Netherlands. As Brand Manager, he specializes in private label development, pricing, promotions, branding, and sustainability. He played a key role in repositioning SPAR Huismerk and launching Spar uit de Streek, a line of authentic regional products.
With a strong background in buying, assortment management, and consumer-focused branding, he drives innovation and growth in the retail sector. His passion for sustainability and strategic pricing helps position SPAR as a leader in responsible retailing.
Edgar Elzerman (Moderator)
Owner, Elzerman Consulting
Edgar Elzerman started his career at Royal Ahold in the Netherlands. In the 12 years that he has worked for the company, he entered in a Fast-Track-Development Plan as a Management Trainee, continued as a Senior Category Manager where he was responsible for the Portfolio of Categories. Thereafter he worked as the Director of Business Development and subsequently as the Senior Director European Sourcing at Ahold Europe. For the next five years, Edgar worked at Ahold USA as the Senior Director Business Development, developing and implementing strategic initiatives and thereafter as the Vice President of Private Brands, managing the Ahold USA Private Brand Program.
Leontien Hasselman-Plugge
CEO, Impact Buying
Leontien Hasselman-Plugge is a seasoned expert in sustainable development, with 20 years of experience in CSR, ESG performance, and supply chain transparency. She began her career at UNEP before joining the Global Reporting Initiative, where she played a key role in revising sustainability reporting standards and leading supply chain reporting programs. She has trained businesses worldwide in sustainability measurement and communication, working across the US, Australia, India, Brazil, China, and South America.
Leontien has contributed to the UN Global Compact’s SME Task Force and the European Commission’s CSR Expert Group. A LEAD Fellow since 2009, she spent a decade leading SIM Supply Chain Information Management and is now CEO of Impact Buying Group. Her mission is to help retailers and brands transform supply chains to drive environmental and social change. With a master’s degree in European Economic and Corporate Law from Utrecht University, she is a thought leader in responsible sourcing and impact-driven business strategies.
Marijn Overvest
Founder, Procurement Tactics
Marijn Overvest is a procurement expert and entrepreneur dedicated to advancing procurement professionals through education and strategic sourcing. As the founder of Procurement Tactics, he leads an online academy that trains procurement teams worldwide, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses. Before launching Procurement Tactics, Marijn held key procurement roles at Albert Heijn for 19 years, specializing in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and private-label development. He spearheaded post-merger synergy programs following Albert Heijn’s integration with Delhaize and played a pivotal role in category management.
With a deep understanding of procurement strategy and innovation, Marijn is committed to empowering professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel.
Erik Aapkes
Managing Partner, Blueprint Europe
Erik Aapkes is an experienced business strategist and capability development expert, dedicated to helping organizations unlock their full potential. As Managing Partner at Blueprint Management Consultants, he specializes in transforming business strategies into tangible commercial success through consultancy and capability-building programs. His expertise lies in commercial excellence, leadership development, and practical learning solutions.
Prior to Blueprint, Erik spent over a decade at McCain Foods, where he held key leadership roles, including Global Director of Commercial Learning and Country Manager for the Nordics & Baltics.
Erik’s engaging facilitation style and deep cultural understanding make him a valuable partner for businesses worldwide. His mission is to drive sustainable growth by equipping organizations with the tools and skills needed to thrive in competitive markets.