"What is my underlying leadership model?" Jeroen van der Veer asks himself when he takes the stage at the Mergermarket Germany Forum. He simply answers, define your markets and give a focus to the people on how to win in those markets. 

Van der Veer became a Managing Director of Shell Nederland in 1992. He led major restructuring initiatives, including a $2 billion upgrade of the Pernis refinery. In 1995, he moved to the United States as President and Chief Executive of Shell Chemical and was appointed Group Managing Director in 1997. Chemicals remained one of his areas of responsibility and he oversaw the worldwide restructuring of the business. He took over as Chairman of the Committee of Managing Directors of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and Shell Transport and Trading in 2004. Following the unification of these two companies into Royal Dutch Shell, he was appointed the Chief Executive of the new company, a position he held until he retired in June 2009. Van der Veer led Shell through major changes, simplifying governance and organisation while clarifying accountabilities.

During his time as CEO of Royal Dutch Shell he used to focus on three philosophies that would bring the company success ("by the way, the current CEO still uses these" he proudly proclaims). Having these simple, easy to communicate values were vital for inspiring his team and focusing them on delivering the projects that fit into the overall business strategy.

1. Be frontiers in technology in your markets
2. Large integrated projects 
3. Whatever you're doing, do it in a very excellent way

While he puts 'focus' at the forefront of his leadership model, it is not the only key to building a successful global acquisition strategy. Other tips that Jeroen shares include; buying/selling at the right time, how M&A is only complimentary to organic growth and how to spot the hidden bleeders. 

To get all of Jeroen van der Veer's tips, watch the full presentation below.

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GermanyM&A Toolkit

 23rd March 2016 UTC

Jeroen van der Veer - steering a global acquisition strategy from the top

Mergermarket's Germany Forum returns to Düsseldorf in March 2017, providing finance leaders with the latest trends in capital raising and M&A. To receive more information about what will be covered and by who at the Mergermarket Germany Forum 2017, subscribe to email alerts below.

Hannah Ogunlowo Speakers Acuris

Hannah is responsible for speakers and event programmes at Acuris. She oversees Debtwire's European restructuring, leveraged finance and direct lending conferences. Hannah leads content for Mergermarket's M&A events, including in leading conferences in Germany, Italy, Africa and the Middle East.