Robert-Jan is a results-driven biotech leader with deep expertise in creating early market access for innovative drugs launching in Europe, particularly in the Nordic and Benelux countries. With over thirty years of experience, he has held various management positions with increasing responsibilities in sales, marketing, market access, operations, project leadership, and regional management.
Before becoming a consultant and partner at Orphan Now, Robert-Jan worked for companies such as AstraZeneca, Schering-Plough (MSD), and Celgene. At Celgene, he built the Dutch organization from scratch and restructured the Nordic organization into a healthy, well-managed team. He then became Regional General Manager, heading the Nordic and Benelux organization while leading a very successful European launch of Imnovid® (pomalidomide).
Robert-Jan also served as COO at MyTomorrows, an internet platform supporting patients with high unmet medical needs. In this role, he helped build a successful start-up organization, optimized the business model, restructured the organization, and hired key talent. During his tenure, MyTomorrows gained its manufacturing and wholesaler license for early access treatment (Phase II+ products).
A highly accomplished and results-driven executive, Robert-Jan’s experience is both cross-cultural and cross-functional. He is innovative, takes ownership, and creates structure where needed. As a passionate leader, Robert-Jan fosters mutual trust and respect while encouraging both personal accomplishments and successful teamwork.Robert-Jan holds a medical degree from Utrecht University and has trained at Cranfield School of Management at Cranfield University. Most of his experience is in early access oncology, CNS, and (ultra-) rare diseases. He deeply believes that patients should always come first.