“This leadership programme is already valuable. It broadens my knowledge on many aspects of the commodity trade business. Other participants have their own unique view and expertise and by sharing we gain valuable insights.”
Geert Nijenhuis, trader at Hoogwegt International is one of the participants of the Executive Programme Leadership in Commodity Trade and Supply Networks at Erasmus University Rotterdam. He is enthusiastic about the programme.
Devil in details
“The masterclasses give great insights. It also provides deeper understanding of how we as a company function in all aspects of the commodity trade business. For example, the masterclass on Geopolitics made me aware again on how we as Hoogwegt International operate internationally. With an open mind and with the aim to connect we see and create opportunities. Even in a world where politics have an impact on trading. Another eye opener is contracting. It shows that a lot of times the devil is in the details! I will definitely take a second closer look at contracts now.”
The bigger picture
Daan van Velzen, commercial manager General Cargo at Port of Amsterdam, agrees with Geert. “The case studies in every masterclass emphasise that there are always different perspectives. Perspective from pricing, from contracting or from legislation. The perspective differs and being able to combine good analytical skills, seeing and understanding the bigger picture with vigor and ambition is essential. That’s why this programme immediately creates added value. Its broad curriculum and the fact that people from the practice share their knowledge makes it more than worthwhile.”
Topics and specialists
Participants have had masterclasses on the following topics: geopolitics and political risk,
price discovery, volatility and risk and contracting and law. In these masterclasses several renowned experts shared their knowledge and insights. Specialists like Paul Hazell and Richard Wallace of Pithon Limited, Prof. Frank Smeele and Dr. Frank Stevens, Walter Vollebregt of Twinco Capital, Sergei Mikhalev of Amsterdam Trade Bank, Stephan Jansma of Trafigura and Bram de Veer of Glencore Agriculture BV. But also Prof. Dr. Coby van der Linde aof Clingendael International Energy Programme (CIEP) and Dr. Cyril Widdershoven of VEROCY.
Next on the programme
The Executive Programme Leadership in Commodity Trade and Supply Networks at Erasmus University Rotterdam still has 5 masterclasses, including a 7-day trip to Singapore on the agenda. Participants still have the following masterclasses in the programme scheduled: Trade Finance and Asset Valuation, Fiscal aspects of multinational trading operations, Ports, Logistics and Shipping, Sustainability and Reporting and Asian Perspectives.
Want to join?
The following masterclass is on Trade Finance with Dr. Philippe Versijp of the Universiteit van Amsterdam and Maarten Koning, Managing Director, Global Lead Structured Commodities Finance, Head of Commodities, Food & Agri, NL from ING.
Make sure you will be part of the next year’s Executive Programme Leadership in Commodity Trade and Supply Networks (start 2020) and register now at rotterdamcommodities.nl.
More information: info@rotterdamcommodities.nl or contact Dr. Wouter Jacobs +31 (0)10 4089538.