IOC panel member, Executive Director The Olive OIl Academy BV.

Worked for more then 25 years in the Financial Industry. After buying a house in Italy and became owner of a small olive grove.To satisfy my hunger for more knowledge about olives, I completed in 2023 the Olive Oil Sommelier Certificaiton in London. Followed by the Courses at ONAOO in Imperia, Italy, to the Master Olive Oil Consultant at ESAO in Valencia/Jaén, Spain, to Professional Taster Table Olives, and Professional Olive Oil Taster. I am co-owner of the Dutch Olive Oil Institute and a panelmember of an IOC-approved tasting panel. Also judge in several international olive oil competitions such as EVO IOOC in Italy.

I am co-owner of the Dutch Olive Oil Institute and a panelmember of an IOC-approved tasting panel. Also judge in several international olive oil competitions such as EVO IOOC in Italy, As co-onwer I am deeply involved in The Olive Oil Academy as executive director. By combining our expertise and networks, we offer a high-quality learning program for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Students receive training based on the latest research and industry insights.

I have been a member of the Panel in the Marche Region since 2017. I am registered in the list of olive oil technicians and experts at the Ancona Chamber of Commerce, Regional Decree no. 268 dated 09/06/2015.
I attended the professional tasters’ course, lasting three years (2015/2016/2017), at Onaoo. I have participated as a taster in various olive oil events, both at an amateur level and as a jury member. I have collaborated with Onaoo as a coach for both individual and group online courses.

Being part of this association means sharing values of quality, expertise, and continuous training. It is an opportunity for professional growth and qualified exchange, allowing me to share my experience while actively contributing to the promotion of extra virgin olive oil culture.

I began my technical course at ONAOO in September 2022, building a strong foundation in extra virgin olive oil quality standards, and evaluation. In February 2023, I started the ONAOO Professional Tasting Course, further developing my sensory analysis skills and ability to assess EVOO based on official tasting methods. I completed my ONAOO course in November 2025.

Extra virgin olive oil is more than a product to me, it is a symbol of history, culture, and tradition that has been valued for thousands of years across the Mediterranean. From ancient civilizations that used olive oil for food, health, and daily life, to modern producers who preserve traditional methods while improving quality standards, olive oil has always represented purity, resilience, and connection to the land and people.

I am proud to be part of this long heritage by sourcing only exceptional EVOO and promoting oils that are authentic, fresh, and truly representative of their origin. I am committed to continuous learning and to maintaining the highest standards in quality, traceability, and transparency, so customers can experience olive oil the way it was meant to be fresh, healthy, and deeply rooted in history.