Interview with our new partner Ronald Batenburg

In February2025, Ronald Batenburg joined the global ERA network as a partner. In his profile text, you can read a brief summary ofhis time before ERA and the expertise he brings with him. To get to know ournew people a little better, we ask each new partner six questions after theyjoin. Read Ronald's spontaneous response:

1.Why this new step in your career?
Starting my own business is something I have thought about many times. Althoughit never happened earlier in my career, now feels like the perfect moment. Mychoice for ERA Group is a well-considered one. I am convinced that theproposition is solid and well thought out. The concept fits in seamlessly withmy expertise and I see many opportunities to get started with it.

2.Was this what you wanted to be when you were a little boy?
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a professional ski instructor. Unfortunately,injuries threw a spanner in the works. In the end, I consciously chose thebusiness world, attracted by the countless opportunities and challengingdevelopment prospects it offers.

3.Every career has its ups and downs. What are you proud of? And what would youlike to do over?
I look back with pride on two developments at Ricoh to which I contributed. Ibuilt a top team in the healthcare sector that succeeded in dominating themarket within two years. I also led the transition from agent to distributor inthe indirect channel – a crucial step for Ricoh and a valuable experience forme.

If I coulddo anything over again, it would be my time at DHL Express. The COVID pandemicforced a shift in focus to operational efficiency, whereas I would havepreferred to focus on further growth and innovation of the business.

4.What kind of (work) challenge would you like to be woken up for?
I'm not the type to sit around twiddling my thumbs. My energy gets a boost wheninteresting changes or innovations need to be made.

5.Who is your role model?
I have great admiration for top athletes and Sven Kramer is an excellentexample of this. His focus, mentality, results and personality appeal to meenormously. What fascinates me most about top athletes is their dedication:getting the very best out of themselves day in, day out and still wanting toimprove.

Although Iam not a professional athlete myself, I recognise that mentality. I played fieldhockey for years, I am an avid skier and nowadays I play a lot of golf. Insport, I always want to win and I take that attitude with me into my businesslife. The difference is that in my work, I like to seek win-win situations andachieve success together with others.

6.What is your ERA dream?
That together we can continuously deliver services that make a real differenceto our customers. Personally, I want to look beyond my current expertise anddelve into new areas. Ultimately, for me it's about adding real, future-proofvalue – for our customers, for us as partners and for the entire ERA Group.

ERA isdelighted that Ronald Batenburg is joining the network and wishes him everysuccess and enjoyment in line with his personal motto: 'Success is wherepreparation and opportunity meet'.