After completing degree at VU Amsterdam, Maarten Delhez began his career at the bank-insurer Fortis, where he took part in an international management traineeship. Since then, he has held various positions within Fortis and later ABN AMRO, ranging from relationship manager and investment banking specialist to department head. Today, he leads the division that provides loans to wealthy individuals, medium-sized, and large companies across Europe, managing teams in the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium.
“My work is always about finding the right balance between commercial opportunities, risk management, and strategic focus,” Maarten explains. “At the same time, I always keep the bank’s social role in mind.”
Outside his professional responsibilities, Maarten remains closely involved in talent development and education. He serves on several advisory boards, including the one for the bachelor’s in Economics and Business Economics at VU Amsterdam, and mentors young professionals. “It gives me great satisfaction to help others advance in their careers,” he says.
Choosing and studying at VU Amsterdam
Choosing VU Amsterdam was an easy decision for Maarten. “The programme had an excellent reputation, and VU Amsterdam was known as a university with strong ties to the business world as well as a broad social outlook. And of course, studying in Amsterdam was a huge plus.”
What appealed to him most was the personal atmosphere within the programme. “Although VU Amsterdam is a large university, the Economics and Business Economics programme felt small-scale and personal. There was a lot of individual attention, and the lecturers often had real-world experience in business or government. The academic level was high, yet the approach remained practical.”
His favourite courses were Finance and Marketing, but the more reflective courses also left a lasting impression. “The lectures in Psychology and Economic Ethics were particularly inspiring. The discussions about social and economic dilemmas really stayed with me.”
Maarten also remembers the small-scale tutorials and a study trip to India as memorable highlights. “During that trip, we visited companies, conducted research, and learned an incredible amount – but it was also just an unforgettable experience.”
Lasting impact
According to Maarten, VU Amsterdam distinguishes itself through its emphasis on social responsibility. “The university educates academics who look beyond the numbers. The lectures on economic ethics and the guest lectures from leading figures in business, politics, and the central bank really made me reflect on the broader impact of economic decisions.”
That formative experience continues to shape his leadership style to this day. “I can honestly say that the VU helped shape my own approach to leadership. And interestingly, that awareness only deepens as you gain more experience.”
Maarten looks back on his time at the VU with gratitude. “The bachelor’s in Economics and Business Economics at VU Amsterdam provides a broad and solid academic foundation on which you can build during your master’s. It’s an excellent starting point to confidently find your own path, whatever direction your career takes.”
