Among the hallmarks that distinguish Ad Verkuyten’s career are his focus on innovation, his leadership of transformational change and his delivery of profitable growth.

Having built one of the leading Dutch retail chains, Hatema, from scratch he went on to reinvent the traditional textile business, Blydenstein-Willink, turning it into the power behind the global Verosol brand.  In 2003, Verkuyten became CEO of private equity-backed testing and inspection group Röntgen Technische Dienst, inaugurating a three-year period that saw the company increase its profits fourfold and assume a leading position in Europe and North America.

When 3i decided to focus on the testing, inspection and certification (TIC) sector, Verkuyten’s track record made him the ideal partner, as Alan Giddins, 3i’s Global Head of Business Services, explains: “In a highly-technical sector, Ad’s standing gave us the capability to differentiate rigorously between TIC businesses, as well as the credibility to be a successful owner.  His depth of understanding helped us know what to look at – and, just as important, what to avoid.”

In Giddins’ view, Verkuyten’s technical skills are matched by his personal qualities: “His interpersonal and leadership skills are among the best I’ve encountered.  He’s very thoughtful, has great energy and shows a truly international perspective.”

In June 2007, Verkuyten’s participation was vital to 3i’s flagship TIC investment, Inspecta.  He was integral to the due diligence process and, since becoming Inspecta’s Chairman, has streamlined operations, enhanced profitability and prepared the company for pan-European growth.  Verkuyten also played a key role in the acquisition of another successful TIC business, Inspicio, in 2008.  As Giddins says, “Would 3i have bought Inspecta or Inspicio without Ad?  Probably not.”