Kool, who completed RSM’s Executive MBA programme in 2004, became the CCO at Infotheek in 2009, and has been the company’s CEO since 2013. In the past six years, Infotheek Group has experienced an annual growth of over 25 per cent; opened 11 new offices in 10 European countries; and has added two companies, 4Launch and Network2Day, to the group this year.
“RSM taught me how to think as an entrepreneur and as a manager, as well as how to always look at the bigger picture,” said the alumnus. “The Executive MBA has also taught me how to balance my workload and personal life.”
Competitive market
Marcel van Loo, country managing partner EY Netherlands, presented the award in the category EY Accelerating Entrepreneur of the Year to alumnus Jordy Kool for his success with Infotheek Group. The independent jury, headed by EY’s president Hans Biesheuvel, praised Kool for his entrepreneurial skills in a highly competitive market.
Entrepreneurial success
"I am very proud of this award,” said Kool. “It is a reward for the work of the whole team. It’s about hard work, willingness to take risks and concrete growth." The EY Entrepreneur of the Year award, which is presented annually in more than 50 countries, is the most prestigious election for successful entrepreneurs in the world. This is the 20th time it was awarded in the Netherlands. The election is meant to reward entrepreneurship so that successful entrepreneurs can inspire and motivate others with their vision, passion, commitment and excellent leadership.
Legacy builders
In addition to the EY Accelerating Entrepreneur of the Year 2015, there was an award for the master entrepreneur of the year, which went to Marco van Zijverden from Dutch Flower Group; and for the emerging entrepreneur of the year, which went to Jan Beltman from Tony’s Chocolonely. During the final, the entrepreneurs were put in the spotlight as legacy builders. According to EY, legacy builders add value to people and society for the next generation.
Andrea Bird, programme director EY Entrepreneur of the Year, was impressed with this year’s entrepreneurs. “These are people who dare to take risks, and are determined, passionate and sometimes even a bit stubborn,” she said. “They are the trendsetters, the mainstay of our economy.”
Kool says he plans to keep contributing to Infotheek’s growth. “We plan to unleash more talent in our company, and continue to transform to a volume and value player in this highly competitive market,” he said. “We will do so by organic growth as well as by acquisitions in the Netherland and in Europe.”
