# ARIE J.E. VAN GENT - Strategy & Operations Executive | Innovation & Digital Transformation Leader
Source: https://hello.cv/ariegent
Mountain View

## Links
- LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/arievangent
- Email
- Phone

## About
Highly accomplished Strategy and Operations Executive with over a decade of experience driving complex, cross-functional initiatives at the intersection of technology, innovation, and operations. Proven ability to translate executive vision into scalable programs, streamline execution, and deliver measurable business results, notably in sustainability and digital transformation. Adept at fostering alignment across diverse teams, navigating ambiguity, and building high-impact systems that enable growth and efficiency.

## Work
### Strategic Advisor | Recyclops / CalYan XGH / Stealth / Restoscope
Currently advising multiple organizations on strategic planning, operational excellence, and market entry, leveraging deep expertise in sustainability, business operations, and digital transformation to drive high-impact growth.
- Led new program management for a multi-trillion dollar client at Recyclops, establishing scalable processes for a national recycling program covering 1,000s of logistics routes and 100s of partner sites.
- Provided strategic and operational guidance on sustainability initiatives for CalYan XGH, focusing on safe and smart hydrogen trading and sourcing strategies.
- Consulted on business operations and Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy for a stealth startup, optimizing early-stage growth frameworks and market positioning.
- Directed brand identity and UI/UX strategy for Restoscope, enhancing user experience and market appeal for product launch.
### Founder, Community Builder | MyKompas
Founded and scaled an online community platform, MyKompas, dedicated to aligning user behavior with personal values through innovative technology and engaging digital strategies.
- Grew user base to over 6,000+ new members and achieved 70,000+ website visits within the first 2 months, demonstrating rapid market penetration and community engagement.
- Designed and launched a beta site leveraging AI and behavioral data to deliver personalized engagement experiences, enhancing user retention and satisfaction.
- Developed proficiency in modern coding tools and platforms including AI, Replit, Bolt, Github, Heroku, MongoDB, PostHog, Postman, and Reddit MOD for product development.
### Senior Program Manager, Digital Data Solutions (Founding Role) | Merck KGaA Group
As a founding Senior Program Manager, led the development and global rollout of award-winning AI sustainability tools, significantly enhancing data processing efficiency and securing multi-million-euro investment.
- Achieved a 1600% improvement in carbon data processing efficiency by architecting and implementing a new AI-assisted workflow across multiple business units.
- Managed a 15-person cross-functional team, delivering advanced analytics platforms and AI-driven tools for Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) calculation.
- Secured multi-million-euro investment with C-level sponsorship for the global rollout of sustainability data programs.
- Recognized with EMD's Entrepreneurship Award (2022) and AboutPharma Digital Awards (2025) for Best Project and Best AI for Company Excellence.
### Senior Program Manager, Innovation and Talent Development | Merck KGaA Group
Drove global talent development and innovation initiatives for over 200 cross-functional colleagues, enhancing talent mobility and standardizing performance frameworks.
- Created and implemented a cross-functional trainee program spanning R&D, operations, and business teams across 3 continents, increasing talent mobility by 30%.
- Hired, mentored, and managed 4 cohorts of PhDs for key positions in data and business development.
- Executed global improvements and hosted workshops/events for over 200 cross-functional colleagues, fostering skill development and collaboration.
- Delivered 20+ high-impact stakeholder events and partnerships (Stanford, IEEE, industry groups) that generated 400+ qualified opportunities for business development and innovation teams.
### Head of Operations, Innovation Hub | Merck KGaA Group
Directed the operational strategy and execution for a Silicon Valley Innovation Hub, driving significant pipeline impact and fostering strategic partnerships and innovation fields.
- Established and operationalized a 15-person Silicon Valley Innovation Hub, implementing robust processes, governance, and operational systems that supported over $100 million USD in pipeline impact.
- Structured and managed business operations for the Bay Area Innovation Hub, organizing 50+ events that connected 1,000s of individuals, startups, academia, and internal R&D.
- Secured 20+ partnerships with universities and local organizations, resulting in 4 successful Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) investments.
- Led the end-to-end operational design and construction of an 8k sq ft modern office and event space in San Jose, completing it within 50% of the original budget.
### Innovation Manager | Merck KGaA Group
Supported over 50 startups across 4 key locations, providing expertise in Go-to-Market strategy, business development, and designing transparent reporting tools for project stakeholders.
- Provided strategic guidance and business development support to 50+ startups across 4 key locations, enhancing their GTM strategies and market entry.
- Designed and implemented comprehensive tracking and reporting tools that significantly improved transparency for project stakeholders and decision-making.
- Coordinated operations and reporting across all aspects for a multi-trillion dollar client, ensuring aggressive program goals were met.
### Management Trainee (Business Intelligence and Marketing) | Menzis
Drove significant customer loyalty program growth through targeted business intelligence and marketing initiatives.
- Achieved 100,000+ new active user growth in a customer loyalty program within 1 year, expanding the user base from 100k to 200k.
### Consultant, Investment (Tech Focus) | Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency
Generated a substantial pipeline of qualified tech companies and established key institutional partnerships to support foreign investment initiatives.
- Generated 1,200 qualified tech company leads, significantly contributing to the investment pipeline.
- Established key institutional partnerships, enhancing the agency's reach and impact in the tech sector.
### Small Business Owner and TEFL Teacher | Self-Employed
Operated a small business while providing English language instruction and proofreading services to a diverse clientele in Vientiane, Laos.
- Provided tutoring and proofreading services to over 100 students, professionals, and businesses, enhancing language proficiency and communication skills.

## Education
### University of Groningen | Strategy and Innovation Management
### University of Groningen | International Business
### Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina | Business and Marketing
### Stanford University | Professional Development
- AI for Business Applications
- Artful Design in Engineering
### Merck Group | Professional Development
- Data Science
- Team Empowerment and DEI for Managers

## Awards
### Best Project and Best AI for Company Excellence
AboutPharma Digital Awards | 2025-01-01
Acknowledged for leading an outstanding project and implementing best-in-class AI solutions that significantly contributed to company excellence.
### Entrepreneurship Award
Merck | 2022-01-01
Recognized for demonstrating exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and innovative contributions within the organization.

## Publications
### Patents on AI and Data Integration for PCF Sustainability
Inventor
Inventor on several patents focused on leveraging AI and data integration to enhance Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) sustainability, demonstrating innovative technical leadership.

## Skills
### Strategy & Operations
- Business Operations
- Strategy and Operations Management
- Innovation Strategy and Execution
- Operational Excellence
- Process Optimization
- Strategic Planning
- Design Thinking
- Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy
- Business Case Development
- Innovation Hub Management
- R&D Management
- Process Improvement
- Workflow Automation
### Program & Project Management
- Program Management
- Project Management
- Agile
- Lean
- Scrum
- KPI Tracking
- Resource Allocation
- Project Delivery
### Leadership & Collaboration
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Stakeholder Management
- Change Management
- Team Empowerment
- Talent Development
- Mentorship
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Organizational Alignment
### Data & Technology
- Data and Metrics-Driven Decision Making
- AI and Digital Tool Development
- Data Science
- Data Quality
- Analytics Platforms
- Behavioral Data
- Coding
- Replit
- Bolt
- Github
- Heroku
- MongoDB
- PostHog
- Postman
- Reddit MOD

## Languages
- English | Native
- Dutch | Native
- Spanish | Conversational
- German | Proficient

## Source
Read this profile on Hello.cv: https://hello.cv/ariegent
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