Robin Vermaat | Founder & CEO | RV Consultancy
Robin Vermaat, a Dutch national with over two decades of experience in logistics, freight forwarding, contract logistics, and warehousing, is a seasoned professional in the industry. He has built a career on a foundation of hard work, learning, and a passion for growth. Today, Robin leads RV Consultancy, a company he founded in 2019 to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand commercially both locally in the Netherlands and internationally, particularly in the UAE. Through RV Consultancy, Robin assists Dutch SMEs by offering market assessments, marketing strategies, and comprehensive business plans tailored to the UAE market. At EliteX, we are proud to have Robin Vermaat as part of the edition: 10 Prominent Male CEOs in 2024.
Robin’s journey to becoming a CEO is a story of persistence, learning, and adaptability. He began his career in logistics as an Inside Sales Representative, a position that allowed him to develop an understanding of the industry from the ground up. His dedication and eagerness to learn quickly set him apart, and he was soon promoted to Team Leader Sales. This role provided him with the leadership experience that would later prove vital in his career. In a relatively short time, Robin was given the opportunity to manage a branch in the UAE as a Commercial Director and Branch Manager. This position allowed him to oversee operations in an international market, an experience that broadened his knowledge and sharpened his leadership skills. As his career progressed, Robin rose to the position of General Manager, further honing his ability to manage complex operations and lead diverse teams.
“Be consistent, open to learning new things, and to criticism. Learn from your mistakes so you become a better person tomorrow.”
However, like many, Robin faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was made redundant during this time, a setback that ultimately led to his decision to start his own company. Rather than seeing this as a failure, Robin used it as an opportunity to take control of his career and apply the knowledge he had accumulated over the years. RV Consultancy was born from this moment of resilience, and today, Robin leads his own company with the goal of helping other businesses grow. For Robin, the motivation to lead RV Consultancy comes from a desire to make it successful and self-sustaining. He views each day as an opportunity to improve and grow the company, applying the lessons he learns along the way. His ultimate goal is to create a business that can thrive independently, one that continues to provide value to its clients and partners even in his absence.
Robin’s leadership is guided by a set of core values that reflect his approach to both business and life. He believes in being direct, agile, and fair to clients. These principles have helped him build trust and foster long-lasting relationships in the industry. He also emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable in an ever-changing market, a quality that has been instrumental in RV Consultancy’s success. Robin’s deep understanding of the logistics industry sets RV Consultancy apart. He and his team come from the very sector they are striving to improve, which gives them unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that businesses in logistics face. By working closely with eco-partners who are relevant to the current market scenarios, Robin ensures that RV Consultancy remains at the forefront of innovation and growth within the industry. One of the key projects Robin is particularly proud of involved a growth initiative for one of the largest warehousing companies in the UAE. His company played a crucial role in helping the organization expand by opening multiple offices in the region. This project not only demonstrated RV Consultancy’s ability to drive business growth but also solidified its reputation as a key player in the logistics consulting space.
“By maintaining a consistent approach while remaining agile and open to change, I’ve been able to get my team on board and drive the company forward.”
As a CEO, Robin has faced his fair share of challenges, but his approach to overcoming them is marked by consistency and flexibility. One of the most significant hurdles for any leader is getting people to align with their vision and strategy. Robin believes that by maintaining a consistent approach while remaining agile and open to change, he has been able to get his team on board and drive the company forward. The most important lesson Robin has learned throughout his career is the value of humility. He emphasizes the need to remain open to learning, respectful of others, and grounded in the reality that success is a continuous journey. This mindset has allowed him to navigate both the highs and lows of his professional life with grace and determination.
Beyond its commercial successes, RV Consultancy also contributes to the broader community. Robin and his team frequently share insights and key information with industry peers and stakeholders, often presenting at relevant events in the region. These contributions help to foster a sense of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the logistics sector, benefiting both established players and newcomers alike. In an industry as dynamic as logistics, staying ahead of trends is crucial to long-term success. Robin is a firm believer in the importance of continuous learning. He stays informed by reading industry news, following trends, and engaging with his peers at relevant summits and events. This commitment to staying current with the latest developments ensures that RV Consultancy remains a forward-thinking and innovative company.
Innovation, according to Robin, plays a significant role in RV Consultancy’s success. The logistics industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and processes emerging all the time. By embracing innovation, Robin ensures that his company stays ahead of the curve and continues to offer clients cutting-edge solutions. As a CEO, balancing work and personal life can be challenging, but Robin has found ways to manage it effectively. With his office located close to his home, he can avoid long commutes and dedicate more time to his personal life. After work, he prioritizes spending time with loved ones, engaging in sports, or simply relaxing. This balance helps him stay energized and focused, both at work and in his personal life. Robin’s advice to aspiring CEOs is simple: take the leap. He encourages others not to hesitate, reminding them that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. By trusting their instincts and learning from their experiences, future leaders can find success in their own endeavors.
Looking ahead, Robin’s vision for RV Consultancy is to become self-sufficient and to expand by employing more staff and opening additional branches. His focus remains on growth, not just for his own company but for the clients he serves. With his wealth of experience, dedication to continuous improvement, and a clear vision for the future, Robin Vermaat is poised to continue making a lasting impact on the logistics industry.
“The ultimate goal is to create a business that can thrive independently, one that continues to provide value to its clients and partners even in my absence.”
