“I originally wanted to become a professional soldier. Becoming a reservist allowed me to support Defence and continue developing myself militarily.”
For Robert, Global SHE Manager at FrieslandCampina and reservist in the Dutch Armed Forces, his two roles are not separate worlds. Whether he is strengthening safety culture in a FrieslandCampina plant or leading soldiers during a military deployment, the core remains the same: protecting people, taking responsibility and contributing to something bigger than yourself. That is where Robert unleashes his nature.
Robert’s interest in the military started early. Working as a civilian within the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force gave him a close look at Defence and confirmed his ambition to serve. At that moment in his career, however, becoming a full‑time soldier didn’t feel like the most natural next step. The desire to contribute never disappeared. “I originally wanted to become a professional soldier. Becoming a reservist allowed me to support Defence and continue developing myself militarily.”
“I believe you shouldn’t just aim to be good at something, but good for something.”
What began as an alternative route has grown into a meaningful second career. Twelve years later, Robert is peloton commander of a motorised infantry security unit within the Royal Netherlands Army. In this role, he leads 32 soldiers and is responsible for personnel care, training preparation and the execution of operational assignments. His unit trains realistic security scenarios - from manning checkpoints to applying rules of engagement - all with one goal: staying ready for real‑world deployment.
And those deployments are diverse. Robert contributed to the security of the international mortuary after the MH17 disaster, the Nuclear Security Summit, the NATO Summit and recent wildfire operations at the Artillery Range in ’t Harde. Most recently, he spent more than two weeks commanding the security of Camp Heumensoord during the Nijmegen Marches, where nearly 8,000 soldiers from dozens of countries stayed.
For Robert, the connection between FrieslandCampina and Defence is natural. “As Global SHE Manager, I work every day to create a safe and healthy workplace. As a reservist, I contribute to the safety of the Netherlands. The context is different, but the motivation is the same.” That motivation comes from a deep sense of service: “I believe you shouldn’t just aim to be good at something, but good for something.”
