Our Management

Eleanor Nickerson, Country Manager UK

With a background in HR, Training & Development, & people-management, Eleanor joined CRF in 2011 after a decade in Canada. Within CRF, Eleanor brings together her experience to ensure that Britain’s Top Employers participants are recognised as the leaders that they are. Eleanor is married with two children.

Johann Labuschagne, Global Accounts Director

Johann has worked internationally for many years in brand and sales management. He joined CRF at the beginning of 2007. Since then he has been country manager for CRF in South Africa and the UK. In 2010 he has been appointed as Global Accounts Director. Johann is married and has 2 daughters and a son.

David Plink, CEO

David has focused during his career on helping people making informed career decisions. He has worked in recruitment advertising and for various leading online and print recruitment media. Furthermore he has gained market research experience with AC Nielsen US. David holds a MBA from Berkeley and a Master from the University of Leiden. He is married and father of four children. As the CEO, David is responsible for the general management within the CRF Institute.

Hans Rothweiler, Member of the Board

Hans is responsible for Research, Business Development and our operations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland. He has a long background in international publishing with extensive experience in on- and offline media, specialising in recruitment related publications. Has a Master degree at Eramus University of Rotterdam. He is married and father of a son and a daughter.

Robert Schaefer, Member of the board

Robert is responsible for the Southern European and Latin American market. He is based in Valencia, Spain. Robert joined the CRF Institute in 2003 and contributes with his large experience in business development of HR related services and in intercultural management. He is married and father of three children.

Steven Veenendaal, Member of the Board

Steven joined the organisation in 2004. He has a long background in international publishing with extensive experience in on- and offline media, specialising in recruitment related publications. He has two Master degrees at University of Amsterdam. Steven is married and father of two sons and a daughter. He is responsible for coordinating international sales and our operations in the UK, Australia, South Africa and China.

Sierk Baalbergen, Founder

Sierk founded the organisation in 1991. He is still actively involved in the daily operations, focussing on special projects. Sierk holds a degree at Nyenrode Business Universiteit and lives with his wife and two sons in Cape Town.