The Path to Brutal Honesty Starts with Us
Brutal honesty is at our core because people only succeed when the context is right. Getting there means clients and candidates must be brutally honest about who they really are.
Beyond (interim) placements, we provide support and coaching at every step of the selection and onboarding process, ensuring seamless integration and long-term success.
Our Mission
We help organizations find
AI-minded C-Suite leaders who truly fit by championing brutal honesty in executive hiring.
Our Vision
To shape sustainably successful leadership teams with leaders who align, inspired by AI, brutal honesty, ongoing coaching, and strong partnerships.
Our Team
At & The Big Fish, our team is committed to driving exceptional results.
We work as a respectful, honest, and inclusive partner, always putting your goals at the forefront.
With deep industry knowledge, proven expertise, and years of experience, we're here to help you achieve your objectives.
Ben, former owner of Newpeople, has built his career by defying convention and embracing brutal honesty to deliver real results—driven by a relentless commitment to building impactful, future-proof leadership teams that go beyond the superficial.
Ben Holewijn
Founding Partner
+31 (0) 6 54 23 32 12
Jurriaan leverages his extensive HR experience to ensure leaders align with a company’s true culture and DNA. Having witnessed the ripple effects of leadership changes, he’s committed to preventing mismatches that derail success by fostering open, realistic expectations for both candidates and companies.
Jurriaan Graaff
Founding Partner
+31 (0) 6 10 27 25 99
Lena Olivier is a board-level executive and governance leader with a track record across international listed companies including LinkedIn, Salesforce and VusionGroup. She is the founder of the High Potential Board Program by Lena & TBF, driven by the belief that future-ready governance begins with the timely identification and development of exceptional talent. Alongside her corporate career, she serves as Chair of the Federation of Relatives of Victims of Violence and was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2025 for her societal impact in justice, safety and advocacy.
Lena Olivier
Partner
+31 (0) 6 52032805
Celeste embodies openness, directness, and a touch of brutally honest charm. "Interim is her middle name”, drawing on 17+ years of interim management experience in coaching large commercial teams through transformation and change. A natural connector, she thrives on bringing people together.
Celeste Duyts
Founding Partner
+31 (0) 6 20 58 25 09
Annelie brings 20+ years in executive search and relationship-driven work, combined with a sharp instinct for true fit. Delivering a human, context-driven and brutally honest approach that creates matches that last.
Annelie van Loon
Partner
+31 (0) 6 22 40 98 44
Dries Steinmeijer specializes in executive search and leadership development, connecting leaders with organizations where they can thrive. With a focus on aligning leadership with culture, he ensures authentic matches and fosters collaboration through transparent, realistic expectations.
Dries Steinmeijer
Partner
+31 (0) 6 55 88 30 00
As a Research Consultant at &The Big Fish, Floor is involved in research and a broad range of operational activities, contributing to market research, ongoing projects, and administrative processes.
Eva focuses on growing our &The Big Fish community, where leaders can have honest conversations, make better decisions, and grow through meaningful connections. With a entrepreneurial mindset, Eva combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to scaling both the operational side of the business and its community.
Eva Meijer
Community & Tech
+31 (0) 6 46 73 48 89
Floor Maathuis
Research Consultant
+31 (0) 6 21 47 23 20
Carla keeps The Big Fish running smoothly. As Office Manager, she looks after our marketing, from the website and LinkedIn content to presentations, our house style, and relationship gifts.
She's also our go-to person for events, taking care of the planning, invitations, and everything else needed before, during and after. On top of that, she keeps our database accurate and up to date, and makes sure the office runs smoothly day to day.
Carla Olminkhof
Office Manager
+31 (0) 6 15 90 81 64
As a Research Consultant at &The Big Fish, Dirk supports both operations and search. From keeping processes running smoothly to helping identify and connect with top talent.
Dirk Tiessen
Research Consultant
+31 (0) 6 14 14 77 63
Are you ready to challenge the status quo in executive hiring? At & The Big Fish, we believe in brutal honesty, real connections, and lasting impact. As an Associate Partner, you’ll work with ambitious clients and exceptional leaders, helping to build leadership teams that truly fit. Will your photo be here next? Let’s talk!
Vacancy
Associate partner
We’re expanding our team of partners in The Netherlands,
and eventually across Europe.
Experienced leaders who share our vision of brutal honesty, are welcome to join us!
Our Beliefs
Be Real
Authenticity is key: Embrace your true self, present your unpolished image, and create space for vulnerability and growth.
Integrity First
Honesty above all: Speak the truth with courage and take responsibility for the impact of your words, fostering trust, inclusion and respect.
Grow Together
Growth occurs when leaders and teams face their realities. We empower clients and candidates to show their true selves, fostering lasting connections.
Our Posts
