dennis van essen

owner, the highfive company

About

The Highfive Company - Chocolate is a leading importer & distributor of premium quality bean to bar chocolate from Craft Chocolate Makers. From working a lifetime in bathrooms (international business development, import, export) I made a career switch to chocolate in 2014. My background: Extensive experience with a proven track record in International Marketing and Sales within the trade-, Retail, DIY and export markets. I have dealt with the world's major retailers, manufacturers and distributors. Over 25 years experience in bathrooms and related product categories. Building business and international expansion are my key skills. Specialties: Business Development (International) Sales Sparring partner (International) Marketing Strategy development Market positioning Expert in company start-ups and international expansion Sourcing (primarily Asia) Product Development Category Management (Retail) Marketing Sales and Key Account Management Developing distribution networks Packaging Design and Space Management

Country

netherlands

City

haarlem

Industry

wholesale

Skill

start ups, management, retail, product management, marketing strategy, business development, international sales, key account management, management consulting, sales, product development, leadership, b2b, coaching, team leadership, supply chain, business strategy, international sales and marketing, manufacturing, analysis, chocolate, category management, sourcing, sparring partner, international market strategy development, market positioning, company start ups, international expansion, export, bathrooms, organic products

Experience

owner

the high five company craft bean-to-bar chocolate

2009-1 - Present · 17 yrs 9 mos

Leading European importer & distributor of craft bean-to-bar chocolate for retail, hospitality and gastronomy.

benelux partner and sole representative office

solex high-tech industries

2011-1 - 2012-5 · 1 yr 5 mos

export and category development and buying

wellsani

2009-4 - 2010-8 · 1 yr 5 mos

since beginning of 2010 part of Fetim BV.

director

prolink china

2005-1 - 2009-1 · 4 yrs 1 mo

director

aquamate europe

2002-1 - 2005-1 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Build Aquamate from zero to a supplier to new international markets with a turnover adding up to over 20 mio US$ within two years

director

aquamate uk

2002-1 - 2005-1 · 3 yrs 1 mo

managing director

aquamate continental

2002-1 - 2005-1 · 3 yrs 1 mo

export director

newteam

1998-1 - 2001-1 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Part of Masco Corporation, USA

owner

prolink hk

2009-1 - Present · 17 yrs 9 mos

coach

jong ondernemen

2011-2 - 2015-6 · 4 yrs 5 mos

managing director

prolink international

1996-1 - 1998-1 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Build this business in two years to be a major player as a Benelux bathroom supplier to retail companies

assistent hoofd inkoop

praxis doe-het-zelf center b.v.

1992-1 - 1994-1 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Intermediar position between the buying (product management) department and sales and IT departments

buyer and product group manager - kitchens, bathrooms and heating

wickes

1994-1 - 1996-1 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Responsible for bathrooms, kitchens, and heating for the continental retail stores (Holland, Belgium and France). Part of Wickes Building Supplies (WBS), London, UK.

country manager - holland

tardis group

2013-11 - 2015-5 · 1 yr 7 mos

* Sole representative office for the Tardis product ranges (worlds best shower enclosure manufacturer); * shower cabins (including made 2 measure) * interior partition wall systems (glass) * Exterior facade glass systems * Fully equipped with the latest production standards. Many patents and awards already. * By far the developer and builder of the worlds best shower enclosures. * www.freestyle-showers.com * www.shower-protect.de * www.tardis.com

board member

henley alumni association netherlands

2012-7 - 2014-10 · 2 yrs 4 mos

Over 30,000 alumni in 140 countries form the basis of a unique organisation offering global opportunities for networking and continuing education, as well as social events. The Henley Business School alumni family includes all the alumni of the former Henley Management College and all Henley Business School graduates. University of Reading alumni who hold degrees in business, economics and related subjects from the former department of Management are also members.HAAN aims to be a motivational platform for intellectual challenge, personal development, inspiration and reflection, networking, doing business and also having fun.

owner, the highfive company

the high five company

2009-1 - Present · 17 yrs 9 mos

Importer &distributor of Taza Chocolate for the Dutch & Belgium market. Sales & Marketing (B2B & B2C) of this unique concept. USA handmade. 100% organic, non-GMO certified, Vegan, dairy-, soy-, and gluten free. Direct Trade. Bean to Bar manufacturer.