Getting to know Jaap Merkus; CEO of NetRom

You may have already picked it up as a reader of this blog: I recently announced my resignation as CEO of NetRom. It had to happen eventually, and after 27 years, the time has come. You can probably imagine that this is a significant change for me personally, accompanied by some complex emotions.

Fortunately, we have found the perfect successor in Jaap Merkus. Jaap is an experienced and competent executive who quickly made the NetRom DNA his own. For this Post Craiova, we are using a slightly different format than usual: a double interview, in which we combine my departure with the introduction of Jaap Merkus.

Jaap: “The vacancy at NetRom came at an ideal time for me; I was ready for a new challenge. I have extensive experience in consultancy and as a leader and CEO, including at an independent quality and oversight organization in the software industry. I was also director of Gazelle for many years, you know, the solid Dutch bicycles. The click was immediate, both personally with Han and professionally. NetRom is a pragmatic and accessible company, with a straightforward way of working. We work with strong, dedicated teams on projects for extended periods, and we do what we promise. That immediately struck me; in that sustainable collaboration, NetRom is exceptionally good.”

Han: “In that pragmatism, I also call it straightforward or no-nonsense, Jaap and I find each other. We both have tremendous drive, but without any fuss. Much attention and focus goes into creating ideal working conditions and supporting the personal and professional development of our 500+ engineers. This is in the DNA of NetRom, and Jaap feels that perfectly. The transition is therefore proceeding very harmoniously and efficiently. A textbook example of how it should be, in my opinion. What I find particularly interesting is that Jaap has a lot of experience and even gives training on leadership handovers and transitions in family businesses. He knows better than anyone what challenges you can face when succeeding the founder of a company.”

Jaap: “The most important thing is to take the time to really get to know the company. Not just the products or services, but especially those things that are not on paper. This means a gradual approach, open communication, and asking lots of questions. This also fits my personal style: not judging immediately, but learning to understand why things are the way they are. Of course, it helps that NetRom is a very successful organization. There is a high level of satisfaction among clients and employees. People rely on each other, even when things go wrong. NetRom stands for Netherlands and Romania. That actually sums it up perfectly: Dutch pragmatism and Romanian warmt. A golden combination.”

Han: “For that reason, we encourage our clients to visit the campus in Craiova at least once and immerse themselves in life and work here. It’s completely different from the one or two cups of coffee you get during a meeting in the Netherlands. It’s an experience; the contact is warmer and more intense, creating a bond that goes deeper than just business. Some clients have been here dozens of times. I don’t think you’ll find that anywhere else. Visitors coming here for the first time are often surprised. And Romanian hospitality sometimes stands in sharp contrast to Dutch Calvinism. To truly understand it, you have to be here, you have to experience it.”

Jaap: “I completely share that experience. The lavish lunch we just had is a perfect example of that Romanian hospitality. I’m a huge travel enthusiast, and this international aspect really appeals to me. Commuting between the Netherlands and Romania will probably be less intense for me than for Han, if only because my personal life is centered in Bilthoven. Of course, the plan is to bring my wife and two young adult children to Craiova at some point so they can also experience what it’s like here.”

How does Jaap see the future of NetRom? What are the ambitions?

Jaap: “Traveling will definitely be part of it; I see a lot of international growth potential. We already have clients in eight countries, including Norway, France, Germany, England, and the United States. These clients and their ways of thinking and working fit well with us. There are opportunities here for a strong growth boost.

In addition, there are developments where we can grow and adapt even further. AI, for example. We have been applying it in various ways for a long time, but recently it has taken off tremendously. NetRom can play a role across the entire chain, from deployment and support during the development process to application in clients’ end products. Together with investors, we are exploring ways to integrate AI agents into NetRom and accelerate the development of AI within our services.

In the coming months, my focus will first be on a roadshow to get to know as many clients as possible. I’m really looking forward to that.”

Han: “For me, the coming period will bring more balance in my life. More personal freedom. That feels good. I will take a seat on the supervisory board and remain a shareholder of NetRom. I will also continue to be responsible for the further development of the campus in Craiova. So I’m certainly not completely gone, but since July 1, Jaap has been fully responsible and has taken over all operational tasks from me.

The announcement of my resignation received so many heartwarming responses. My never-ending desire to compare Dutch and Romanian societies, highlight their similarities and differences, and share them with you through this blog, will not stop. This is therefore not the last Post Craiova, we will definitely continue for the time being. :).

See you soon!