Anker Amsterdam Spirits

1. You work as a Head of Purchasing in the Purchase department. Can you tell us more about your added value in your position?

The added value in purchasing spirits is not just to buy products, but to be a partner in the growth of our suppliers’ brands. Due to our widespread distribution network, our team of buyers constantly evaluates trends and market forces driving the global beverage alcohol industry. In my role as Head of Purchasing, I motivate my colleagues to use this market knowledge to advise and support our suppliers, as well as to create synergies and collaborations across (international) business units and departments within B&S.

2. How does your Anker journey look like up until now (your timeline since you started)?

My career at B&S started back in 2013 at Holland Trading Group where I started as an intern at the liquor department. After completing my internship at the liquor department, I decided to finish my studies and to try a few other jobs without knowing that I would return to B&S 5 years later. A vacancy for Purchase Manager at Anker in Amsterdam became available in 2018 and I decided to contact some old acquaintances and move to Amsterdam. Back at the old nest but within a different company and city. A funny coincidence was that my old tutor from HTG had also exchanged Groningen for Amsterdam in the meantime so we became direct colleagues.

Over the next four years, I’ve had the opportunity to launch and grow my career. I have travelled the world to seek out unique wines and spirits and built relationships with distillers, wine growers and industry experts. These experiences have helped me to grow my skills and take on a leadership role as Head of the Purchase Department within Anker Amsterdam Spirits. In our team of seven buyers, we have a shared drive to acquire A-branded products and provide our customers with the best quality goods at competitive prices.

3. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned or experienced at Anker (so far)?

My most valuable lesson was that everything is achievable within B&S as long as you connect with the right people across our own organisation and externally. By learning and understanding the possibilities and limitations of other business units, synergy can always be achieved.

4. Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

Samples from suppliers often pass my desk first so I can assess the products on suitability to our portfolio. After six years, I have a quite extensive and peculiar collection of spirits and my desk and sample storage cabinet became known as the center of curiosities in our office.