Magnit Benelux General Manager Kees Stroomer on Remote Work, Goals for Magnit & World Travel

Tell us about your background.

I was born in Utrecht, which is a place in the middle of the Netherlands, with my brother and my sister, who are both older than me. This was actually a really nice time for me because my family is very close and we were brought up in a great environment. 

How did you come to the contingent workforce space? 

I've been in the temp business just over 30 years after starting in 1992. I ended up in contingent workforce management when I first started working after college. I was 28 years old and it was important to me that I do something in my working life which contributed to the well-being of people. And this is how I ended up in the HR business, starting as a consultant in ’92 within temping and working my way up to being a director. 

What did you want to become as a child? 

I actually wanted to become a professional soccer player to be honest, but I never made it. I was not good enough unfortunately, but nevertheless I am very happy with what I am doing today! I still support Ajax!

What do you hope to accomplish at Magnit within the next three years? 

I'm really looking forward to the upcoming years at Magnit. I think there's still a lot to do. We are growing really well at the moment. So I'm extremely happy and I think it is relatively easy to get to the top, but it's more important to stay at the top. And this is exactly what I want to keep doing for the next three years.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I really like to do triathlons, so that involves bicycling, running and swimming. Besides that, I also play golf, and I still play and watch soccer. 

Why should people join Magnit?

I've worked for many companies in the Netherlands and abroad. I think Magnit is a really nice company because there's a lot to do. It is always nice to work in a growing company as well. There are extremely nice and smart people working for us. Besides that, we have really nice benefits and we have the option to work remotely and in the office. And the work we are doing is very important. We are bringing people and work together, which is meaningful. 

Is remote work the future of work? 

Yes and no. Here in the Netherlands we are working remotely, but we still feel the need to meet face to face. I think it is important be together in person, but during COVID we all realized that it is possible to stay connected even when you work remotely. So while there is a future for more remote work, working in an office will still be around.   

What is a fun fact about you?  

I traveled around the world for almost four years when I was younger and that was really nice.
I actually wrote a book about it. I never published it because I’d like to take the same trip again, except probably faster and more luxurious than when I took it the first time. And then I’d like to write a book about it and publish it because I don’t think anyone has ever done that before and it would be fantastic. 

For more on Magnit and our approach to innovation, visit our “Leadership” and “About Magnit” pages.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Magnit is helping organizations implement winning contingent workforce programs globally, please contact a Magnit representative at info@magnitglobal.com.

Disclaimer: The content in this blog post is for informational purposes only and cannot be construed as specific legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice. The blog post reflects the opinion of Magnit and is not to be construed as legal solutions and positions. Contact an attorney for specific advice and guidance for specific issues or questions.