My Job
I lead the public affairs practice in Brussels and in Europe.
My Experience
European Parliament (1989-1994), Head of PA at White & Case LLP (1994-2010), Hill+Knowlton Strategies (since 2010).
My Specialisms
My Proudest Achievements
I had the opportunity to work with the best and the brightest in the profession and I can now pass on some of my own experiences to aspiring youngster in the European public affairs field.
My Education
Law.
My Languages
Dutch, French, German, English.
My Interests outside work
Rhythmically moving on energetic rock & blues music, desperately mountain biking with MAMILs – middle aged men in Lycra- until the pain is too hard to enjoy it; sailing gracious ships across blue waters; reading thick travel books by Paul Theroux.
My Favourite Brussels anecdote
Years ago, I had to accompany an American client to a business meeting in the town of Roeselare, in West-Flanders, on a Monday. Meetings were followed by dinner. When we finally stepped outside into the proverbial drizzle of a dark winter night with only feeble street lanterns spreading a bit of light, the man slapped me on the back with a loud cheer and ordered with a thick accent: “Tommy, now you show me the nightlife of Roeselare!” I was lost. On a cold and dark Monday night in winter, there was none of that.